Accident Sequence
Shortly after departing from Midland Airport, while in the initial climb, the left engine of the aircraft experienced a fire. The pilot declared an emergency. During the emergency, the propeller was not feathered. The pilot reduced altitude and attempted to perform an emergency landing. The aircraft subsequently crash-landed in a field and came to rest in flames.
Evacuation and Damage
All five occupants evacuated the aircraft safely. The aircraft was destroyed as a result of the crash and fire.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a fire on the left engine during initial climb. Reported factors included: failure of the fuel system lines and fittings, a fuel leak, fuel starvation, engine fire, inadequate maintenance and inspection, and a fuel control line leak that led to the left engine fire and an unfeathered propeller.