Accident Overview
During a FAR Part 91 instructional flight, the second pilot, who had recently purchased the airplane to pursue a multi-engine rating, was on his third flight in two days in the multi-engine airplane. Witnesses observed the airplane approaching the airport from the southeast in level flight attitude. One witness reported that the airplane was traveling slowly, as if on a landing procedure, and then appeared to "auger" toward the ground in a left wing low attitude, making approximately three revolutions before impacting the terrain in a nose low attitude.
Post-Crash Findings
The accident site was located approximately two miles from the destination airport. Examination of the airframe and both engines revealed no evidence of a pre-crash failure or anomaly. However, during the post-crash examination, the emergency hydraulic pump handle was observed in the full aft (extended) position.
Investigation Status
No probable cause has been determined based solely on the available information. The investigation is ongoing.