Kankakee-Greater Kankakee

During flight, the pilot transmitted to ARTCC 'we've got a problem, we're losing altitude.' The controller provided a vector to the nearest airport, but shortly after that, the pilot stated that he would not be able to reach the airport. The pilot did not inform ARTCC of his specific problem, except to say that the aircraft was descending rapidly. Subsequently, the aircraft crashed in a wooded area about 1/2 mile from an open area. During the investigation, about 1 quart of fuel was found remaining in the left inboard (aux) fuel tank. All of the other tanks were ruptured from impact. No evidence of fuel spillage was found at the accident site. The left prop was found in the feathered position and the right prop was found partially feathered. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found. Both engines were started and both operated satisfactorily, after fuel was supplied by temporary tanks. The pilot and two passengers were killed while a fourth occupant was seriously injured.

On final approach, the crew failed to realize his altitude was too low when the nose wheel struck a dirt bank located 33 feet short of runway threshold and the airplane crashed. All five occupants were injured, three of them seriously.

The pilot, sole on board, was involved in a local test flight. Shortly after takeoff from Kankakee-Greater Kankakee Airport, while climbing, both engines failed simultaneously. The pilot reduced his altitude and was able to complete an emergency belly landing in a field. The airplane slid for several yards and came to rest. The pilot was unhurt while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.