Accident Overview
A pilot with 1,000 hours of flight experience lost control of a twin-engine airplane while attempting a simulated single-engine go-around. The accident occurred during an approach to Runway 14, with the flaps in the retracted position. The left propeller was found feathered, and the governor control lever for the left engine was also in the feathered position.
Witness Accounts
A witness near the approach end of the runway reported seeing the airplane moving back and forth in a crab position across the inbound runway course, with the left propeller feathered. A second witness, who was flying in the traffic pattern behind the accident airplane, heard the pilot announce that he was on a single-engine approach to Runway 14 with a simulated engine out. When the airplane was approximately 20 feet above the middle of the runway, the pilot called out "I'm going around." The witness noted no apparent stress in the pilot's tone and that sufficient runway remained for a landing. No emergency transmissions were received from the pilot.
Mechanical Examination
Examination of the engine and airframe revealed no mechanical anomalies. The left propeller blade roots and piston were in the feathered position. The density altitude at the time was estimated at 2,650 feet.
Conclusion
The investigation determined that the pilot failed to maintain airspeed and lost control of the airplane while attempting a simulated single-engine go-around in a twin-engine airplane.