What happened
A flight instructor notified air traffic control that they were conducting a simulated engine-out approach. Two pilots, including the flight instructor, observed the aircraft on final approach at approximately 200 feet. At that time, the left propeller was feathered, and the landing gear and flaps were in the extended position.
While the aircraft was positioned for a safe landing, the pilot attempted a single-engine go-around. Although full power was applied and the engines responded normally, the landing gear and flaps remained extended for the duration of the flight. The aircraft maintained the runway heading initially, but then began to lose airspeed and sink.
Approximately 150 feet above ground level and about one-quarter mile from the departure end of the runway, the nose of the aircraft rose. The aircraft then rolled to the left and entered a spin of approximately one-half turn with a nose-down attitude of about 60 degrees. An abrupt reduction in power was heard, which stopped the spin; however, the aircraft struck the ground before the pilot could recover.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft and its engines revealed no evidence of any malfunction or failure occurring prior to the impact.