Incident Overview
A pilot performed a forced landing following a loss of engine power during a go-around. The pilot, who held 1,834 hours of flight experience, reported that en route the engine performance appeared normal, but air traffic control communications became difficult. The pilot experienced intermittent radio trouble with Air Route Traffic Control Center and Approach Control, and contacted Flight Service Station to obtain a frequency for Regional Approach Control.
Radio and Fuel Issues
The pilot received a new frequency, squawk code, and assigned heading and altitude. He reported intermittent radio contact and a loud buzzing noise in his headset. At that time, the fuel gauges showed a sudden change, indicating low fuel. The pilot announced on the radio (in the blind) that he had lost radio contact and would proceed directly to T67 in accordance with the flight plan.
Approach and Go-Around
The pilot configured the airplane for an approach to Runway 32. He visually confirmed that the flaps were extended but noted that the landing gear had not fully extended. He elected to initiate a go-around. Pushing all power controls forward, he heard the engine sputter and reported that it did not produce enough power to induce a positive rate of climb.
Post-Incident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed that the landing gear was found in the retracted position, while the landing gear control switch was in the gear-down position. The battery was removed and tested via a gravity test, which indicated it was dead. The alternator was removed, tested functionally, and passed. A total of 31.5 gallons of fuel was removed from the aircraft. The mixture control was found halfway between the full-rich and cut-off position.
Owner's Statement
The owner stated that the engine roughness was due to the pilot's failure to push the mixture control to the full-rich position prior to the approach and landing.