Pilot Report
The pilot stated that during the initial climb after takeoff, at approximately 150 feet above ground level, he heard a loud bang. Immediately thereafter, the right engine manifold pressure gauge indicated a drop to 30 psi. He initiated a left turn to enter a downwind leg with the intention of returning to the departure airport.
Engine Shutdown and Power Management
Upon hearing the bang and observing the pressure loss, the pilot secured the right engine. He then advanced the left engine throttle and propeller control to their maximum settings to achieve full power and RPM.
Altitude Loss and Forced Landing
Despite applying maximum power to the left engine, the pilot reported that he could not maintain altitude. He therefore selected a vacant field as a suitable forced landing area. During the landing rollout, the left wing fuel tank was ruptured by contact with scrub bushes and trees present in the field.
Post-Accident Engine Runs
Following the accident, both engines were run on the ground and operated normally, with no anomalies detected. The cause of the initial loud bang and pressure drop remains unconfirmed from the engine performance data alone.