Accident Details
On the day of the accident, the pilot conducted his first flight in a Beech D50. After a local flight, he prepared for a cross-country trip to Seattle. Before departing, he told a mechanic that he was unfamiliar with the aircraft's instrument panel but intended to familiarize himself during the flight.
Radio and radar data indicate that when the pilot contacted Seattle Approach Control, he was uncertain of his position. Controllers provided vectors to Boeing Field, his intended destination. Although unfamiliar with Boeing Field, the pilot reported that he had the runway and landing traffic in sight. However, he continued flying toward Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac).
Flight Path and Controller Instructions
The controller directed the pilot away from Sea-Tac. The pilot acknowledged these instructions but continued flying directly toward the airport. When the controller issued urgent instructions to turn away from Sea-Tac, the pilot responded that an engine had lost power.
Collision and Aftermath
Witnesses observed the aircraft making a shallow right turn toward an airport parking lot, traveling slowly with the landing gear extended. The aircraft subsequently struck a light post and the tops of trees near Sea-Tac. It then crashed and was further damaged by ground fire.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the left engine revealed some hydraulic tappet spalling and exhaust valve erosion, but no mechanical failure was found in either engine. Performance data indicated that the Beech D50 could sustain level flight or climb with one propeller feathered and the landing gear retracted.