What happened
Shortly after takeoff, while maintaining an altitude of 200 feet AGL, the left engine experienced a loss of power. The pilot attempted to verify the engine failure by retarding the throttle, at which point the engine appeared to resume normal operation. However, when the pilot advanced the throttle again, the loss of power recurred.
Due to an inability to gain sufficient altitude to clear nearby terrain and return to the airport, the pilot executed a gear-up forced landing in a field. Following the impact, the aircraft slid for 333 feet before coming to a complete stop. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
An inspection of the aircraft, engine, and various engine components was conducted, but investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction. The only discrepancy identified during the investigation was the presence of several pieces of a silicon rubber-type material located inside the left main fuel tank, situated near the fuel pick-up line screen.