What happened
During an unauthorized ferry flight conducted with only three engines operational, the pilot attempted to transport the aircraft type without proper clearance. During the initial climb phase, while the number three propeller was in a feathered position, the number two engine experienced an engine fire. The crew was unable to suppress the flames.
In an effort to return to land, the pilot began a descent; however, the number one engine subsequently failed. Facing a total loss of power, the pilot performed an intentional ditching in the ocean. The aircraft was not retrieved from the sea following the incident. The pilot sustained fatal injuries during the impact.
Findings
No definitive conclusion regarding the accident could be reached because the wreckage was not recovered. The sequence of events involved an unauthorized flight profile involving multiple engine malfunctions, including an unextinguished fire and subsequent engine failure during the descent.