Pilot Report
Approximately five minutes after departure, the pilot advised air traffic control that the left engine was emitting heavy smoke, that the propeller had been feathered, and that he was returning to the airport. On approach, the pilot was notified that the landing gear remained retracted. He indicated he would perform a go-around.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses could not determine whether an engine had been shut down, but stated that no smoke was visible from either engine. They observed the aircraft bank to the left on base leg and subsequently descend into terrain.
Examination
Inspection of the propeller governors showed that the right propeller had been feathered, not the left as initially reported. Both engines were disassembled and examined; no mechanical discrepancies or failures were found.