Witness Account
A witness driving westbound east of the accident site reported seeing the aircraft approximately 5 feet above the trees, heading south-southwest. The witness observed the airplane strike trees on the east side of a four-lane road, followed by impact with the median area between the southbound and northbound lanes. A post-impact fire erupted.
Pilot/Passenger Account
A pilot/passenger on board stated that during the downwind leg to runway 24, the pilot-in-command/instructor (PIC) turned the right engine fuel selector to the "OFF" position. This occurred as the aircraft turned to "long final, very far from the runway." The flying pilot in the right front seat (second pilot) reduced power on the engines to begin a descent but did not realize an engine failure had occurred. The pilot/passenger noted the right engine fuel selector remained off, and the airplane began losing airspeed. The stall warning light illuminated, prompting the pilot/passenger to call out, "...watch the speed...watch the speed." The PIC responded to the second pilot, "...he's right, watch the speed." After a few seconds, the occupants realized the aircraft was descending faster than intended, and the PIC began shouting "Speed...Speed." The PIC took control in an attempt to recover, but the airplane impacted trees and the road.
Investigation Findings
Due to the degree of injury sustained by all three occupants, none could speak with investigators. However, the PIC's wife informed the NTSB investigator-in-charge that her husband stated there were "...no mechanical problems with the airframe or engines." Examination of the wreckage confirmed that the right engine fuel selector was in the "OFF" position both in the cockpit and at the wing selector valve. The right propeller was found in the "feathered" position. No visual pre-impact discrepancies were identified on the airframe, flight controls, or engines. An FAA inspector reported that the FAA determined the pilot seated in the left front seat at the time of the accident was the pilot-in-command/instructor.