Accident Summary
The pilot purchased the airplane approximately one year before the accident with the intention of restoring it for flight. The airplane had not been flown for about five years and had been used for spare parts. On the day of the accident, the pilot was flying the airplane to another airport to pick up passengers before returning. The pilot was cleared for takeoff and to circle the airport at 2,500 feet before departing the area.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that after takeoff, the airplane seemed to “wobble” at a slow airspeed in a nose-high attitude and never climbed higher than 500 feet. Some witnesses reported the engine(s) sputtering, while another stated the airplane was loud and "didn't sound good." Other witnesses reported the engines sounded normal. One witness saw white smoke coming from the left engine and heard the engine "popping" as the airplane took off. The airplane made three left turns, and it appeared the pilot was attempting to return to land. Witnesses described the left wing rising before the airplane banked hard to the left and the nose dropped straight down. The airplane impacted the ground just northeast of the airport property, and a postimpact fire ensued.
Aircraft Examination
Flight control continuity was established. The right side of the elevator/tailcone structure exhibited black rub marks and scrapes. Grass and nesting material was found inside the left wing. The left fuel valve was found in the OFF position, and the right fuel valve was positioned to the rear auxiliary tank. Neither the fuel crossfeed valve nor the fuel boost pump switch was located. The left engine sustained substantial fire and impact damage, while the right engine sustained heavy impact damage. The airplane was last fueled one month before the accident with 120 gallons of fuel. About 20 engine test runs and high-speed taxi tests had been conducted since then. A Special Flight Permit had been obtained but had not been signed by the mechanic, who did not know that the pilot was going to fly the airplane on the day of the accident. The pilot reportedly did not have any Beech 18 flight experience.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause states: "The pilot’s lack of experience flying the accident make and model of airplane, which led to a loss of control while maneuvering to return to the airport. Contributing to the accident was a partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons."