Flight Purpose
The flight was conducted for two purposes: a pre-purchase aircraft checkout and a pilot checkout. The prospective buyer occupied the left seat, while the seller, who was also a certified flight instructor (CFI) and check pilot, sat in the right seat.
Preceding Events
After completing local area air work, the flight entered the traffic pattern for practice landings. The left-seat occupant performed two normal landings. Subsequently, the CFI reduced the left throttle to simulate a single-engine approach and landing.
The Accident Sequence
The pattern and approach proceeded normally until the aircraft was approximately 10 to 15 feet above ground level (AGL) over the runway. At that point, the CFI stated, "Let's go around." The throttles were advanced—according to the CFI, probably too quickly—but the left engine did not respond. The aircraft yawed and banked to the left, causing the left wingtip to drag along the runway before the aircraft cartwheeled into the airport's grassy infield.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector subsequently examined both engines and found no discrepancies.