What happened
During a flight intended to serve as a proficiency evaluation for the pilot-in-command by an FAA inspector, a B-26 experienced a catastrophic loss of power. The pilot had notified Departure Control that the mission involved practicing steep turns and stall maneuvers, with instructions to remain in VFR conditions at or above 5,500 feet.
Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft traveling southwest at an altitude of roughly 250 feet. As the plane passed over their position, the engines were noted to be sputtering. Shortly after, approximately 0.75 miles from the observers, the engines ceased operation entirely. Following the loss of power, the aircraft executed a sharp right turn and a nose-down pitch, resulting in a ground impact.
Prior to the accident, the pilot had logged about 500 hours in this specific aircraft type, though his most recent flight in the B-26 had occurred nearly two years earlier, on September 26, 1995. Fuel levels had been verified before takeoff, with approximately 720 gallons of 100 octane low lead avgas present in the tanks.
Findings
An inspection of the engines and the airframe revealed no discrepancies prior to the accident. While the engines were observed to have quit before the final maneuvers, the extreme nature of the impact prevented investigators from establishing the continuity of the flight controls.