Zero One Tango

Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600)

During the takeoff ground run, witnesses observed the airplane at a slow speed, using the full length of the 4,102-ft runway before it became airborne briefly. The left wing dipped, struck some power lines, and the airplane crashed on a highway striking a car. Metallurgical teardown examinations of the two left engine turbochargers disclosed evidence of extreme wear in the bearings from the turbine wheel shafts which resulted in obstructed oil ports. Both occupants were injured.