Accident Sequence
A multi-engine airplane crashed during a landing approach, rolling inverted and diving into the ground before bursting into flames. According to witnesses, the airplane made two approaches to runway 23. During the first approach, the airplane was seen “fish tailing” approximately 30 feet over the runway. It appeared to regain control, continued over the runway, and then began a climbing left turn after passing the air traffic control tower.
Pilot Communication
Witnesses reported hearing the pilot tell the air traffic controller that he was performing a go-around. The controller asked if the pilot had problems with the sea fog. The pilot responded that he did not, but that his left engine “kept power up a little too much and would not come back.”
Second Approach and Crash
The airplane circled the airport to the left and lined up on runway 23 for a second approach. As it descended toward the runway, witnesses stated that without any indication of trouble, the airplane “climbed and rolled left, went inverted and nosed down into the grass to the left of the runway and burst into flames.”
Examination and Performance Data
Post-accident examination of the airplane, its systems, engines, and propellers revealed no abnormal pre-impact conditions that would have interfered with normal operation. No recorded radar data for the flight was located that captured the two attempted landings. Information contained in the Super King Air 200 Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) and FAA Approved Flight Manual (AFM) showed that the stall speed with gear extended, 40 degrees flaps, and zero bank angle is 84 knots indicated air speed.
Investigation Findings
The investigation did not identify any mechanical or system failures. The absence of radar data and the lack of pre-impact anomalies left the exact cause of the loss of control undetermined. The pilot's report of the left engine maintaining power suggests a possible asymmetric thrust condition, but no evidence of a malfunction was found during the examination.