Accident Overview
The airplane impacted terrain after a loss of engine power during a go-around on final approach. The aircraft was a Beech B95. At the time, a check airman was administering a multiengine check ride to a private pilot.
Flight Sequence
The check airman instructed the pilot to perform a short field landing. During the final approach, the check airman perceived the aircraft to be too low, with landing gear and flaps extended. He asked the pilot if everything was acceptable. Receiving no response, the check airman initiated a go-around by applying full power and retracting the landing gear. During the power application, the left engine failed to produce full power. The airplane then veered to the left, and its left wing struck the ground.
Aircraft Performance Considerations
Review of the pilot's operating handbook for the Beech B95 indicated that the recommended approach speed for a short field landing is 82 mph indicated airspeed, while the best single-engine rate of climb airspeed (Vyse) is 100 mph indicated. The prescribed procedure for a single-engine go-around includes: applying full power to the operating engine, retracting landing gear and closing cowl flaps on the dead engine, and retracting flaps to half extension initially, then fully retracting flaps as soon as practical. The single-engine rate of climb chart predicted a 160-foot-per-minute positive climb under the existing pressure altitude and temperature conditions; however, this performance is based on the aircraft being at Vyse, with gear and flaps retracted, the inoperative engine's propeller feathered, and a 5-degree bank into the operating engine. Any deviation from this configuration would degrade climb performance. At the time the left engine power loss became evident, the aircraft was likely 15 to 18 mph below Vyse and not in the proper configuration for a single-engine go-around, making a successful outcome uncertain.
Examination Findings
FAA inspectors, assisted by certificated mechanics, examined the aircraft and the left engine. The reason for the left engine's failure to respond could not be determined.