What happened
The pilot, who was also the owner of the aircraft, was conducting a flight lesson with a certified flight instructor. Shortly after liftoff, while the landing gear remained extended, the left engine experienced a sudden loss of power. This event caused the airplane to veer sharply to the left. The flight instructor assumed control of the aircraft, reduced engine power, and executed a landing in rough terrain approximately 150 feet to the left of the runway.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that neither propeller had been feathered. Further inspection of the engines did not reveal any evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction.