NTSB Factual Report

On May 31, 2003, about 1500 Pacific daylight time, a twin engine Beech 95 C-55 (Baron), N660K, sustained substantial damage following a loss of power to both engines and subsequent forced landing at Dietz Airpark, Canby, Oregon. The airplane is owned by the pilot and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.

After the accident, the pilot reported that the airplane experienced a dual engine failure just after takeoff from the 2,800-foot turf runway. Following the engine failure, the pilot attempted to land on the remaining runway, however, the airplane touched down in tall grass adjacent to the runway and slid to a stop.

In a written statement, dated November 24, 2003, the pilot reported that he inadvertently initiated the takeoff with the fuel selectors in the auxiliary position. He reported that normally the airplane is operated (during the takeoff phase of flight) with the fuel selectors in the main tank position, but he became distracted during the preflight and failed to reconfigure the fuel system prior to takeoff. He further reported that the main fuel tanks contained sufficient fuel for the flight, however, the auxiliary tanks were "almost empty."

An inspector from the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), Hillsboro, Oregon, inspected the aircraft after the accident and reported that there were trace amounts of fuel in the aircraft's auxiliary fuel tanks.

During the forced landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning resulting in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of power after takeoff. High vegetation was a factor.