Incident Overview
Shortly after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 250 to 300 feet above ground level, the right engine experienced a partial loss of power, followed by the left engine. The pilot executed a wide left turn toward a small field with trees at its edge and retracted the landing gear. During the forced landing, the pilot intentionally struck the trees to reduce speed and clear some power lines. After passing under the wires, the airplane came to a stop in the field.
Preflight and Fuel System
The aircraft had not been flown for approximately two years. The pilot was tasked with ferrying the airplane from Galveston, Texas, to Colorado Springs, Colorado. A mechanic at Scholes Field Airport in Galveston prepared the aircraft for the flight and obtained a ferry permit from the Federal Aviation Administration. The mechanic reported that the fuel tanks were drained and visually inspected. Approximately one gallon of water was removed from the tanks, and both fuel filters were cleaned. Rain had fallen on the day before the accident flight.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the fuel filters revealed that they were both clogged with debris.