Very sorry to hear this :(

TallFlyer, that's who it is for sure. Sad day.

He reported an engine failure after takeoff.

RIP

Blue skies detective D...RIP Chief.

Sad for Dan. That was at least his 2nd engine failure in that plane that I know of. God Speed.

Love ya Detective, you deserved better.

First, I am sorry to hear this!

Not to take away from the personal loss, but what is the reliability on the engines? According to what I can find, I see the 404 runs the Continental GTSIO-520. I also believe that the 421 runs that engine. I have twin Cessna time, but not the 404 or 421 (which I would really love to have a crack at flying), nor do I have geared engine experience.

Very finicky engines to operate. Takes proficiency for sure, which Dan had plenty of. He was the most experienced 404 driver in the company. I did learn that these airframes had been parked in October for good. But I guess UPS was needing some additional lift that day. I also know the airplane was parked outside and cold soaked. I'm wondering if a block cracked.

In any event, my good friend is gone and will be sorely missed by many....

I can't even imagine the feeling I'd have in my stomach if I were in this shoes that day... Taking a piston airplane that has been parked "for good" since Oct, out on a crappy, cold, Colorado day.

The risk is just off the charts for that stuff, and I'm so glad that part of my career is behind me.

I've never flown a C-404. How does it fly on one engine? Was it empty?

Doubt it, repetitive cold weather damage would be more likely. Engines can be warmed up before takeoff by idling on the ground, but consistently taking off without allowing it to warm first is a recipe for a catastrophic failure at some point.