Preflight and Departure
The flight began with a preflight inspection conducted inside a hangar. Following the inspection, a tow bar was attached to the airplane to move it from the hangar. Once outside, the pilot and two passengers boarded the aircraft and departed for a local flight.
Inflight Incident
During the gear retraction sequence after takeoff, a loud bang was heard from the landing gear area. Attempts by the pilot to extend the landing gear were unsuccessful, prompting the initiation of emergency procedures for an emergency landing.
Emergency Landing
As the airplane approached the runway for the emergency landing, the pilot shut down both engines during the final approach. When it became apparent that the aircraft would not reach the runway and would touch down short of the intended landing area, the pilot attempted to restore engine power. However, the restoration of power was insufficient to prevent the airplane from impacting terrain 750 feet short of the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the accident site subsequent to the occurrence revealed the tow bar lying on the ground adjacent to the airplane in the field where it came to rest.