What happened
Prior to the accident, a mechanic conducted a series of engine tests on the runway, including a full power check and magneto inspections, all of which were completed without issue. Following these tests, the aircraft was refueled at the fuel ramp, leaving the fuselage tank with 41.5 gallons of usable fuel. At the time of the engine run, the left wing tank contained approximately 4 to 5 gallons, while the right wing tank held roughly 2 to 3 gallons. After securing the engines, the mechanic moved the aircraft to the ramp.
During the subsequent flight, the pilot taxied to the approach end of runway 18 and applied takeoff power. An eyewitness observed that at the moment of rotation, the aircraft type pitched up to 20 degrees and rolled left to a bank of 10 to 15 degrees. The aircraft continued to roll until it reached an inverted position, ultimately impacting the ground with a 40-degree nose-low attitude. The resulting fire destroyed much of the cockpit, cabin, wings, and the aft section of the fuselage.
Findings
Investigations into the flight controls and engines showed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction prior to the impact. While the flap actuators were found in an asymmetric state, it was determined that this was likely a result of post-impact hydraulic pressure loss rather than a cause of the roll. Analysis of ground scars indicated that the left engine was operating at nearly idle RPM, while the right engine was at approximately 1,315 RPM, suggesting a left engine loss of power occurred during the takeoff phase.
Post-accident examination of the fuel system revealed that the left fuel selector was in the crossfeed position. Because the right wing tank contained no usable fuel, the left engine was being fed solely from the right tank, which was nearly empty. It is concluded that the pilot likely failed to return the left fuel selector to the 'on' position during the engine start or pre-takeoff checklists. This configuration caused the left engine to fail as the remaining fuel in the right tank was exhausted, leading to the unrecoverable left roll and subsequent crash. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported in the immediate impact sequence, though the aircraft was destroyed.