Sequence of Events
Witnesses reported hearing the engines sputtering during the takeoff roll as the airplane accelerated on the runway. After becoming airborne, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 200 to 300 feet above ground level, at which point the right engine lost power. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and subsequently feathered the right engine. He then turned the airplane right about 100 degrees and attempted a forced landing in a pasture. The landing gear was down and locked. During the approach, the airplane stalled and impacted the ground in a right-wing-low and nose-low attitude.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that there was sufficient fuel onboard. Engine test runs were conducted, during which both engines operated without discrepancies except for intermittent roughness and missing noted during the right engine run. Inspection of the right magneto found frayed and broken insulation on the "P" lead. Internal examination of the left magneto revealed that the advance spark system wire was chaffed through and making some contact with the normal points circuit at the normal point condenser connection. Personnel present at the right engine run determined that under running conditions, a possible grounding short of the normal points operation could have occurred at this location.
Pilot Information
The pilot reported a total flight time of about 2,960 hours in all aircraft, with 96 hours in multi-engine aircraft and 41 hours in the specific make and model involved in the accident.