Event Summary
On the day of the accident, the airplane was being operated on the ground when the main landing gear inadvertently retracted. The aircraft settled onto its tail, though the propellers did not contact the ground. The engines were shut down and all occupants deplaned. The airplane was subsequently raised and the landing gear extended. An inspection was performed, including removal of side and rear panels near the stabilator and rudder. A ferry permit was issued for a flight to another airport for repairs, with the restriction that the landing gear remain extended.
Ferry Flight and Accident
The pilot departed on the ferry flight. After takeoff, he requested to return for a landing without providing a reason. The airplane was observed turning crosswind and then downwind, where it subsequently descended in a wings-level attitude below the level of surrounding terrain. Black smoke was observed, and impact occurred on the side of a hill. Debris was scattered over a distance of 267 feet.
Post-Impact Examination
Examination of the propellers and engines revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction. The rudder and elevator flight controls showed no signs of jamming. The rudder trim and manual elevator trim were collocated; the airplane was also equipped with an electric elevator trim. The rudder trim was found in the neutral position, while the elevator trim was found at full nose-down. The forward portion of the cockpit was crushed, and no evidence of a pre-existing failure was discovered.