Accident Summary
According to witnesses, the aircraft began its takeoff roll and became airborne approximately 1,000 feet down the runway. It climbed to an altitude of about 50 feet before rolling to the left and crashing inverted onto a parallel taxiway near midfield. There was no fire following the crash.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel selector for the right engine was set to the right main tank, while the selector for the left engine was set to the auxiliary fuel tank. The operating manual specifies that both selectors should be set to the main tanks for takeoff.
Additionally, the left propeller blades were found nearly straight, while the right propeller blades were bent rearward.
Operational Findings
The fuel selector positions deviated from the procedures outlined in the operating manual for takeoff. The differing propeller blade conditions indicate a difference in power output or impact forces between the two engines at the time of the crash.