Accident Summary
A twin-engine airplane was destroyed and its two occupants, both pilots, sustained fatal injuries following a loss of control during an approach to land. The flight was conducted for the purpose of instrument flight instruction, according to interviews with family members.
Witness Observations
Multiple witnesses observed the accident sequence. They reported that the airplane struck the ground in a nose-low, left-wing-low attitude. Some witnesses also noted that one of the airplane's engines was "sputtering" prior to impact.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination revealed that the airplane was equipped with a throw-over control yoke, which was positioned in the left pilot seat. The left engine fuel lines forward of the firewall were found to contain no fuel. Both fuel selector handles and valves were in the off position; however, the fuel selector panel had been displaced from the floor, preventing determination of the in-flight selector positions.
Flight Data
Radar data indicated that the airplane had flown a non-precision instrument approach to the airport. Communications with another aircraft showed that the accident airplane was in visual contact with that traffic and that the accident flightcrew planned to enter the airport traffic pattern. After starting a descent, the airplane continued to decelerate and its altitude continued to decrease until the end of the radar data. The final calibrated airspeed recorded was approximately 87 knots.
Airplane Performance
According to the airplane flight manual, the landing approach speed was 96 knots, and the minimum controllable airspeed was 81 knots. Performance data indicated an expected stall speed range between 69 knots and 113 knots, depending on the angle of bank and flap configuration.