What happened
Shortly after departing the runway, a twin-engine airplane struck trees and terrain, leading to the total destruction of the aircraft and a subsequent fire. Witnesses at the scene observed the aircraft climbing at a rate lower than expected. Some observers noted that the engine sound seemed labored, while one witness reported not hearing the aircraft at all. The wreckage was located in a wooded area approximately 3,5 and 700 feet left of the extended runway centerline, roughly 3,500 feet from the end of the runway. The debris path through the trees was oriented approximately 65 degrees to the left of the runway heading.
Physical evidence at the site included damage to the left wingtip and specific damage to the right propeller, which showed chordwise scratching and bending opposite to the direction of rotation. Tree strikes were primarily located on the right side of the wreckage trail. While the right engine and propeller showed signs of impact, initial examinations of the left engine and propeller revealed no pre-impact anomalies.
Findings
Investigations into the fuel configuration revealed a critical discrepancy in fuel management. Calculations indicated that the fuel consumed during the previous leg of the round-trip flight would have required between 56 and 71 gallons of fuel. While the main tanks held 112 gallons, the fuel selectors were set such that the left side was drawing from the main tank, but the right side was drawing from the outboard auxiliary fuel tank. According to the aircraft flight manual, only the main fuel tanks should be utilized for takeoff and landing procedures. The lack of sufficient fuel in the main tanks to complete the intended round-trip flight, combined with the improper fuel selector configuration, was a significant factor in the accident.