What happened
Prior to takeoff, the pilot set the fuel selectors for both engines to the 'INBOARD' detents. The cowl flap selectors were also positioned to the 'OPEN' setting. During the initial climb, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 1200 to 1300 feet AGL.
As the aircraft began transitioning from a climb to a cruise configuration, the co-pilot initiated action to close the cowl flaps. Shortly after this maneuver, both engines suffered a simultaneous loss of total power.
The pilot-in-command attempted several restart procedures, including adjusting the mixture control, varying the power level positions, and cycling the fuel pumps on and off. When these efforts failed, the pilot executed a forced landing in a soybean field. The aircraft touched down approximately 150 feet from the end of the field, slid across the bean field, and eventually came to rest after colliding with trees. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
An examination of the cockpit controls following the accident revealed that both fuel selectors were in the middle position, which corresponds to the 'OFF' setting. While the cowl flap selectors were found in the full up and aft position (indicating 'OPEN'), the co-pilot stated he had moved them to the middle or 'trail' position just before the engine failure occurred. Although the pilots did not recall touching the fuel selectors after takeoff, the physical evidence showed they were set to the 'OFF' position.