What happened
While cruising at 9,000 feet near Tri-City Airport, Tennessee, the pilot of the aircraft type noticed a gradual reduction in power from the right engine. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was operating in cloud conditions with an outside air temperature near zero degrees Celsius. The crew attempted to rectify the power loss by applying manifold heat to the right engine and checking the right magnetos, but these actions yielded no improvement in performance.
As the flight transitioned into a descent for landing, the pilot repeatedly applied and removed manifold heat to the right engine without success. During the short final approach, the pilot extended the landing gear, but the right main gear failed to show a down indication. Due to the limited time available, the crew was unable to complete the emergency gear extension protocols.
An attempt to perform a go-around was made, during which the pilot identified that the left engine's manifold heat control had become stuck in the 'ON' position. Because the left engine was unable to reach full power and the right propeller remained unfeathered, the aircraft type could only maintain an altitude of approximately 200 feet. Unable to maintain terrain clearance, the pilot performed a forced landing in a field with the gear retracted. The impact with trees caused substantial damage to the aircraft.
Findings
- The right engine experienced a progressive loss of power.
- The left engine manifold heat control became stuck in the 'ON' position during the go-around attempt.
- Insufficient power was available to maintain altitude during the emergency maneuver due to the combination of the right engine power loss and the left engine's restricted performance.