On September 3, 1979, a Beechcraft 90 King Air (registration N332K) operated by A. M. Leyendecker was involved in an aviation accident near Laredo, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during climb due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors: Inadequate preflight preparation, Mismanagement of fuel, Fuel exhaustion, Intentional wheels-up landing, Complete engine failure, Forced landing off airport on land. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During a test flight, an aircraft experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff. The crew executed a belly landing in an open field, resulting in substantial damage but no injuries to the pilots.
Accident Overview
Shortly after departing Laredo Airport for a local test flight, one of the aircraft's engines ceased operation. The flight crew immediately recognized the emergency and attempted to return for landing.
Emergency Landing
Unable to reach the runway, the pilots executed a forced landing in an open field adjacent to the airport. The aircraft touched down with its landing gear retracted, resulting in a belly landing. The airplane came to rest in the field, sustaining damage beyond economical repair. Both pilots exited the aircraft without injury.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the engine failure occurred during climb due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors included inadequate preflight preparation, mismanagement of fuel, and the intentional wheels-up landing. The forced landing off airport on land was a consequence of the complete engine failure.