What happened
During an ILS approach to runway 3, the crew was operating at 9,500 feet MSL at 35 DME. The first officer (SIC) was flying the approach, which featured a tailwind between 14 and 22 knots. To prevent engine supercooling, the pilot in command (PIC) had planned a descent rate not to exceed 500 feet per minute.
The PIC reported that the aircraft was off course and approximately 1,500 feet high during the approach. The PIC took control to maneuver the aircraft back on course and on the glidepath before returning control to the first officer to continue the ILS approach. During this maneuver, a descent rate of 2,500 feet per minute occurred, and airspeed increased by 31 knots.
As the approach continued, the pilot extended the landing gear and flaps. As the aircraft slowed and began settling, the first officer advanced the throttles, but the engines failed to respond. The PIC took control, and both pilots attempted to manipulate the engine controls, but power could not be restored. The crew noted that throttle callouts differed, and neither pilot could recall the engine instrument indications.
The aircraft contacted the ground short of the runway, causing the landing gear to collapse. The aircraft then slid through a fence. There were no fatalities reported.
The investigation
Investigators found the mixture controls positioned approximately 4 to 5 clicks aft of the full forward position, and the throttles were found at approximately 3/4 forward position. About 80 gallons of fuel remained in the wing tanks.
Maintenance records revealed a series of write-ups noting that the engines had been running rich and rough; however, the investigation found no pre-accident part failure or malfunction. The engines were inspected and found to be in operating condition. A ground witness reported hearing a sound similar to propeller reversers revving up during the event, and a rear seat passenger believed the pilot pulled the propeller controls down and back.