NTSB

The pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning and inflight fuel management, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.

The malfunction of the steerable tailwheel, which resulted in a loss of directional control during the landing roll and subsequent impact with the precision approach path indicator lights system.

The pilot’s improper decision to initiate the takeoff roll from a snow-covered taxiway, which resulted in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and impact with a snow berm.

The pilot’s improper starting procedure, which allowed the airplane to move forward over the wheel chocks and impact him and a hangar when he subsequently hand propped the engine.

The owner/pilot’s inability to maintain control of the airplane due to his lack of training and experience, resulting in a collision with a tree.

The pilots’ failure to ensure that the electric fuel pumps were on before takeoff, which resulted in a partial loss of power on both engines during initial climb.

The partial loss of engine power due to water and contaminants in the fuel, due to the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, and the pilot’s decision to conduct a steep turn at low altitude to return to the runway rather than land straight ahead, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

The pilot’s failure to lower the landing gear before landing. Contributing to the accident was the examiner’s failure to check that the landing gear was extended.