Flight and Engine Failure
The airplane departed on a ferry permit heading southeast. About 25 minutes into the flight, while cruising at 3,500 feet, the pilot observed a significant loss of power from the left engine, which subsequently failed. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful, and the left engine was feathered.
Performance Issues and Diversion
The right engine would not generate more than 29 inches of manifold pressure without running rough. The pilot turned toward Shelby County Airport, the closest airport to the airplane's position, and attempted an emergency landing. As altitude continued to decrease, at 900 feet the pilot chose to force-land on a road located 3 miles southeast of Shelby Airport.
Landing and Damage
Upon landing, the airplane collided with a raised manhole cover and two roadside objects. After the accident, the airplane came to rest on the right side of the road with the right landing gear detached. The right wing had two tears in its leading edge.
Post-Accident Engine Examination
The left engine was run after the accident for four minutes at 1,800 RPM. During this run, the propeller was cycled out of feather, and the magnetos, oil pressure, and fuel pressure were checked. All engine checks were satisfactory to normal standards.
Fuel Information
The airplane had not been flown in over two years and had sat outside a hangar for two weeks prior to the flight with no fuel in either tank. The fuel tanks were filled to capacity on the morning of the accident flight. No contaminants were found in the fuel.