Pilot Report
According to the pilot, both engines began to surge shortly after takeoff during the initial climb. The engines subsequently lost power completely, forcing the pilot to execute a landing in trees.
Post-Crash Examination
Examination of the aircraft after the crash revealed that the fuel selectors were set to the inboard tank positions. The left inboard tank was found to be empty with no evidence of leakage. The right inboard tank was destroyed. The left outboard tank was almost full, while the damaged right outboard tank was partially full.
Engine Findings
Several days later, examination of the engines detected only trace amounts of fuel. No evidence of water contamination was found anywhere in the fuel system.
Additional Details
The pilot stated that he had taken off with the fuel selectors in the outboard tank positions and switched them to the inboard positions after the engines began to surge. The outside air temperature at the time was about 20 degrees Fahrenheit.