Incident Sequence
The flight departed after a series of instrument procedures and returned to Knoxville for a landing. During the subsequent takeoff, the first officer dropped the aircraft's checklist. The check airman decided to continue the flight without using the checklist.
On the next visual approach, the check airman and first officer attempted a landing without extending the landing gear. The aircraft touched down, and both propeller assemblies struck the concrete runway surface. The pilot reported the gear-up touchdown to the control tower and elected to execute a go-around.
Go-Around and Final Approach
During the climbout, the check airman lowered the landing gear, established a teardrop pattern for the opposite runway, and feathered the right propeller. Crash fire rescue (CFR) equipment was alerted and positioned for the second landing attempt.
While on short final, the check airman called for maximum power, a reduction in flap setting, and initiated a single-engine go-around below 200 feet. The source notes that no operational procedure exists for a single-engine go-around below 200 feet.
Final Moments
The aircraft climbed briefly and then crashed inverted approximately 7,500 feet from the approach end of the runway. Both pilots were killed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause states: The pilot's failure to use the airplane checklist which resulted in a gear up landing; and the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in an uncontrolled collision with the ground.