Accident Overview
During the first flight following an annual inspection, the airplane experienced a loss of power in the rear engine during the initial climb after a second takeoff. The pilot executed an off-field landing in a soft field, resulting in the collapse of the landing gear and substantial damage to the fuselage, left wing, and left stabilizer.
Pre-flight and Annual Inspection Details
The pilot reported that the airplane had last been fueled approximately five months before the accident flight, at which time the tanks were filled. Subsequently, the airplane was flown for about 30 minutes to the airport where the annual inspection was performed. The Inspector Authorization (IA) mechanic who conducted the annual inspection stated that he ran the engines for approximately 30 minutes before the inspection and about 40 minutes after its completion. The IA mechanic did not refuel the airplane after the annual inspection. The pilot informed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that he did not visually check the fuel tank levels before the accident flight.
Accident Flight Sequence
After takeoff, the pilot remained in the traffic pattern and performed a full-stop landing. He then back-taxied on the runway before his next takeoff. During the initial climb following the second takeoff, the pilot noticed that the rear engine was losing power. He applied full power to the forward engine and was able to maintain sufficient altitude to clear a tree line, but the airplane was losing airspeed. The pilot then performed an off-field landing approximately 4 miles from the departure airport. The airplane landed in a soft field, during which the landing gear collapsed.
Post-Accident Inspection Findings
After the accident, the pilot visually inspected the right main fuel tank and found it empty. He indicated that he had been operating the rear engine on the right main fuel tank during the accident flight. A postaccident inspection by an FAA inspector revealed the following fuel quantities:
- Left main fuel tank: 14 gallons
- Left auxiliary fuel tank: 17 gallons
- Right main fuel tank: 3 ounces
- Right auxiliary fuel tank: 3 gallons
The fuel selectors were all found in the off position at the accident site.
Engine Test
The rear engine was started and operated between idle and 1,500 rpm without any anomalies. It responded to throttle inputs, and both magnetos were operational during the test run.