Incident Overview
A pilot reported a right engine fire and requested a straight-in approach for a northbound runway. At the time of the report, the aircraft was approximately 4 miles north of another airport and about 18 miles south of the intended landing airport. The wind was from the south-southeast at 8 knots.
Pilot Communications and ATC Interaction
During the approach, the pilot informed air traffic control that the landing gear was not operating and that he had to go around, noting that "one of the lights [was] not coming on." The controller informed the pilot that the landing gear appeared to be down and cleared him to land on either runway at his discretion. The pilot then stated he would land on the opposite runway from his initial approach.
Witness and Controller Observations
Numerous witnesses at the airport observed the airplane flying fast on approach. Controllers and witnesses reported that after initiating a climb, the airplane slowed, then started to roll to the right and pitch nose-down. The airplane impacted the ground, and a fire erupted upon impact.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right propeller was not feathered and the landing gear were extended. However, the right main landing gear indicator light filament was found separated. The cause of the engine fire was not determined.
Procedural Notes
According to the aircraft Pilot Operating Handbook, in the case of an engine fire in-flight, the pilot is to feather the affected engine's propeller and "land immediately." Additionally, the instructions for a single-engine go-around require that the pilot retract the landing gear.