Background
Both engines of the aircraft had recently undergone overhaul. The pilot elected to perform a maintenance test flight and chose to leave the landing gear in the down and locked position.
Flight
Takeoff and initial climb were normal until reaching approximately 300 to 400 feet above ground level. At that point, the rear engine lost power. The pilot was able to restart it for about 30 seconds, after which it lost power again. He feathered the rear propeller but was unable to maintain altitude and speed with the gear extended.
Accident
To avoid a river and rough terrain, the pilot altered his heading to the left. He then saw transmission lines ahead. Realizing the aircraft would not clear the lines, he turned further left toward the airport. Subsequently, the aircraft crashed in an open field on airport property and was damaged.
Findings
No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found. The flaps were found in the retracted position.