Accident Overview
The accident involved an unregistered airplane operating as a ferry flight. It collided with a ditch during a forced landing. The forced landing was necessitated by a partial loss of power in the right engine, followed by a total loss of power in the left engine.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the right engine began running roughly approximately 15 minutes after departure. About 15 minutes later, the left engine failed completely. The pilot attempted to restart the left engine but was unsuccessful. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot selected a road for an emergency landing. After observing vehicles on the road, he changed his plan and ultimately landed in a wheat field. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a ditch.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident inspection of the airplane identified a defective right magneto on the right engine. Additionally, a defective diaphragm was discovered in the left engine throttle body. A review of the flight path indicated that after the right engine began running roughly, the pilot overflew two airports that were suitable for landing.