Shakeout Flight
The pilot was conducting a local shakeout flight because the airplane had not flown since its last inspection nine months earlier. During the preflight inspection, the pilot observed that the fuel was almost full in the main tanks and almost halfway full in the auxiliary tanks. He sumped the fuel tanks and found some water in the fuel.
Departure and In-Flight Observations
After departure, the airplane seemed to be operating normally, but the indicated airspeed was slower than normal for the power setting. The pilot flew toward the nearest airport, where he also intended to purchase fuel.
Landing Gear and Engine Problems
As the pilot lowered the landing gear on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, he did not observe the gear-down lights illuminate in the cockpit. Shortly after, he noticed that the left engine's rpm and manifold pressure were up, but the engine was not producing much thrust. The pilot cycled the landing gear and continued troubleshooting the left engine; however, the landing gear did not extend. He decided to perform a single-engine go-around.
Accident Sequence
During the go-around, the airplane rolled to the left near Vmc, impacted trees, and came to rest inverted in a swamp.
Post-Crash Examination
Examination of the magnetos revealed they would not produce spark when functionally tested on a test bench. Disassembly of the magnetos showed rust and corrosion, and that the points were insulated. It could not be deduced whether these conditions were present at the time of the accident.