Incident
During a flight from Peru to Louisville, the aircraft experienced a dual engine failure while at cruising altitude. The pilot initiated a descent and attempted an emergency landing in an open field. Upon touchdown, the landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to come to rest on its belly. All five occupants were seriously injured, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Investigation and Probable Cause
Official findings attributed the engine failure to inadequate preflight preparation. Contributing factors included mismanagement of fuel, fuel exhaustion, an erratic fuel quantity gauge, rough and uneven terrain, the complete failure of both engines, and a forced landing off airport on land.