What happened
The incident occurred during a local training flight where the objective was to execute a low pass with one engine inoperative. While on final approach at an altitude of 500 feet with the right engine out, the crew determined that they could not reach the runway under these conditions. The captain subsequently elected to perform an emergency landing in a nearby field.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft was unable to stop rapidly. To mitigate the situation, the pilot raised the undercarriage, which brought the airframe to a halt. Despite this action, the aircraft caught fire and was destroyed by the flames.
Findings
Both crew members were able to vacate the cabin quickly and sustained no injuries. The primary factor leading to the accident was the inability to reach the runway during the single-engine approach phase, necessitating an off-airport landing that resulted in a post-impact fire.