What happened
Following takeoff, the aircraft was maneuvering downwind approximately 1/2 mile south of the airport at an altitude of roughly 1,000 feet AGL. While abeam midfield, the pilot requested clearance to return to the airport for landing. The pilot was cleared for right traffic to land on runway 9R, at which point air traffic control asked if any difficulties were being experienced.
The pilot reported that both engines had lost power. In an attempt to reach the runway, the pilot turned toward the airport but was unable to make the approach. During the subsequent emergency landing, the aircraft struck a chain link fence, resulting in the aircraft being extensively damaged.
The investigation
An examination of the fuel system revealed the presence of water and residue within the system. Records indicated that the aircraft had not been refueled since its previous flight on July 27, 1989. An annual inspection had been performed on September 22, 1989, making this flight the first operation following that inspection. The total duration of the flight was approximately four minutes. Investigators also noted that neither propeller had been feathered after the engines lost power.