Incident Overview
During a climb, at approximately 1,200 to 1,300 feet above ground level, the co-pilot began transitioning the aircraft from climb to cruise and initiated the closure of the cowl flaps. Shortly thereafter, both engines lost total power simultaneously.
Pilot Actions and Forced Landing
The pilot-in-command attempted to restart the engines by varying power lever positions, adjusting the mixture control, and turning the fuel pumps on and off. Unable to restore power, he decided to perform a forced landing in a soybean field. During the landing, the airplane touched down approximately 150 feet from the end of the field, slid across the bean field, and collided with trees before coming to rest.
Post-Accident Findings
Examination of the cockpit after the accident revealed that both fuel selectors were in the middle position, indicating 'OFF.' The cowl flap selectors were both in the full up and aft position, indicating 'OPEN.' Both pilots stated that the cowl flap selectors had been set to the 'OPEN' position during takeoff and climb. The co-pilot reported that he moved the cowl flap selectors to the middle, or 'trail' position, shortly before both engines failed. Neither pilot recalled touching the fuel selectors at any time after takeoff.
Pilot Statements
The left-seat pilot stated that before takeoff, the fuel selectors for both engines were set to the 'INBOARD' detents. The cowl flap selectors, located forward of the fuel selectors on the same floor-mounted console, were both set to the 'OPEN' positions.