What happened
During a flight intended for parachute jumping, the pilot experienced an initial loss of power in the left engine shortly after departing the airport. Although power was briefly restored a second later, a subsequent total loss of power occurred across the engines. During this period, the propeller on the left engine ceased rotation and failed to windmill. The pilot did not perform a feathering procedure on the left propeller.
In an attempt to return to the airfield, the pilot executed a shallow turn to the left toward an open area. As the aircraft struggled to maintain sufficient altitude and airspeed, the pilot reduced power on the right engine to prioritize maintaining control of the aircraft. The flight ended with a forced landing in a wheat field. All occupants successfully exited the aircraft type before the wreckage ignited.
Findings
An inspection of the aircraft type following the accident revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction as the cause of the power loss.