Accident Summary
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported to the tower that the left engine had failed. The propeller was feathered and a left turn to downwind was initiated. During the turn, the right engine also failed. The aircraft subsequently flew into trees in a residential area approximately one mile from the airport.
Findings
No mechanical malfunctions were discovered during the investigation. No fuel was found in either engine. The fuel selectors for both engines were positioned to the outboard tanks. Prior to departure, the main fuel tanks had been filled, but no fuel was added to the outboard tanks. Impact ruptured the right outboard tank; approximately one cup of fuel was drained from the left tank.
The official findings identified three occurrences:
- Loss of engine power (total) – nonmechanical, during takeoff initial climb. Contributing factors included failure to follow the checklist by the pilot in command, fuel starvation, and improper fuel tank selector position.
- Forced landing during descent in emergency conditions.
- In-flight collision with an object (trees) during a maneuvering turn to the landing area.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as determined by the investigation, is loss of engine power (total) due to fuel starvation resulting from improper fuel tank selector position and the pilot's failure to follow the checklist.