Incident Overview
Shortly after takeoff from Twin Falls-City County Airport, the aircraft experienced a loss of power in the right engine while climbing. The captain was unable to feather the right propeller and decided to reduce altitude. He subsequently completed a belly landing in a field located in Buhl, approximately 16 miles northwest of Twin Falls Airport.
The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair. All three crew members were unhurt. The flight was a local operation on behalf of the United States Department of the Interior.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a partial loss of the right engine during initial climb, caused by a failure of the fuel system. Contributing factors included the pilot-in-command's failure to follow approved procedures, improper emergency procedures, an intentional wheels-up landing, partial loss of power on one engine, a forced landing off airport on land, and the propeller not being feathered. Additionally, the right engine fuel feed valve diaphragm was ruptured.