N2083C

On April 8, 1998, at 1905 central daylight time, a Beech E18S twin engine airplane, N2083C, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during takeoff near Del Rio, Texas. The instrument rated commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was owned and operated by Phillips Air Service of Del Rio, Texas, under Title 14 CFR Part 135. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cargo flight for which a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to local authorities that responded to the accident, the pilot lost control of the airplane following the loss of engine power from the right engine during initial takeoff climb from runway 31 at the Del Rio International Airport (DRT), near Del Rio, Texas.

The pilot told the FAA inspector that the engine power loss was not sudden, but rather a slow continued reduction of power. The pilot further stated that the loss of power occurred after he placed the landing gear selector in the retract position. He added that his airspeed at the time of the power loss was between Vmc (86 mph) and Vy (120 mph). The 1959 vintage airplane started to roll towards the right (dead) engine after the pilot feathered the right engine and reduced the power on the left engine. The outboard portion of the right wing impacted the ground short of a taxiway. The airplane came to rest within the airport's perimeter fence.

Examination of the wreckage by the FAA inspector revealed that the right engine propeller was in the feather position and the left engine was torn from the airframe. The left wing and nose section of the airframe sustained structural damage. There was no post impact fire.

The flight's cargo manifest revealed that the airplane was loaded with 835 pounds of UPS cargo en route to the San Antonio International Airport (SAT), near San Antonio, Texas.

The reason for the loss of engine power to the right engine could not be determined.