19980514009239A

On may 14, 1998, at 1657 CDT, a Beechcraft BE-45-T34B,operated under title 14 CFR part 91, collided with the ground, a tree, and a chevrolet van in the bx and burger king parking lots on Maxwell Afb while attempting an emergency landing. The flight (call sign CAVEAT7) originated at the center of runway 15 at Maxwell Afb. The pilot reported oil on his windshield shortly after lift off, on climb out, requesting a left turn for down wind to runway 15 for a return landing. The controllers in the tower watched the aircraft make a steep 265 left turn, rapidly losing altitude. The pilot suffered serious burn injuries, the passenger suffered minor injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed by the impact and post crash fire. No injuries to people on the ground were reported. Rescue personnel suffered minor burn injuries. (-23)ATL98FA076 (.4)at 1654, caveat 7 was cleared for takeoff from runway 15 at Maxwell Afb. At 1657, the pilot reported he had oil on his windshield. The tower controller watched as the airplane entered a steep left turn. The airplane collided with the ground about 250 feet northeast of a burger king restaurant, and burst into flames. The passenger stated after takeoff, at 500 feet, the passenger and pilot both noticed oil on the windscreen. After the pilot turned downwind for the forced landing, the engine began to sputter. At this point, the windscreen was completely covered with oil. The passenger stated the airplane then nosed down, banked 45 degrees to the left, and they returned to level flight before impacting the parking lot. According to aero club maintenance personnel, the engine was scheduled for removal the following day. The engines' total time was at tbo (time between overhaul). After the accident, it was noted, during the engine examination, that the crankshaft rubber seal assembly (nose seal) was approximately one inch forward of its normally installed position. It was also noted the nose seal was not the correct part as described in the engine parts manual.