Incident Summary
A pilot experienced a right engine failure shortly after takeoff due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot was en route to a nearby airport to refuel when, approximately 3 to 4 seconds after rotation, the right engine stopped operating. The aircraft drifted right, prompting the pilot to feather the right propeller and turn right in an attempt to return to the departure runway.
Pilot's Account
After leveling the aircraft, the pilot reported that it began to climb. He reduced power, causing the airspeed to drop to 80 knots, which activated the stall warning light. In response, the pilot added full power to recover. The aircraft then veered sharply to the right toward hangars. With the landing gear retracted, the pilot executed a belly landing, resulting in damage to the aircraft.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the incident was the pilot's inadequate planning and decision-making, as well as his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which led to fuel exhaustion and an inadvertent stall.