What happened
Shortly after takeoff, tower personnel notified the pilot that both engines were trailing smoke. A witness at the scene described the smoke or vapor as black in color.
The pilot subsequently reported that the right engine lost power, and attempts to rectify the situation were unsuccessful. The pilot then secured the engine and initiated a return to land. During the approach, after turning base and lowering the landing gear and 15 degrees of flaps, the pilot reported that the left engine also lost power.
During the descent, the aircraft collided with trees before coming to rest in a canal located short of the runway. The occupants were not injured.
The investigation
The aircraft was recovered following the accident. Post-accident examination showed that both engines were operating normally. The right engine auxiliary pump operations were found to be functional, while the left engine auxiliary pump was inoperative due to damage sustained during the impact.
The pilot stated that the auxiliary pumps were in the off position during takeoff. According to the flight manual, these pumps should be positioned to the low setting for takeoff and vapor clearing, a condition supported by observations of a nervous fuel flow needle.