What happened
While conducting a refueling stop during a trip to an air show, an aircraft was on a three-mile straight-in final approach when it began a left-hand turn. During this maneuver, the air traffic controller queried the pilot regarding the aircraft's intentions. The pilot communicated that the left engine had failed. Following this report, the pilot indicated that the aircraft would be unable to reach the intended airport.
Observers noted that for approximately four minutes, the aircraft maintained a low altitude and insufficient airspeed. While the right propeller remained operational, the left propeller was stationary, though no smoke or fire was visible from the engine compartment. The pilot attempted to regain altitude, but the aircraft experienced a significant leftward dip and struck the ground with the left wing. The impact sequence involved the aircraft sliding through a chain-link fence, hitting a parked car, and colliding with a school bus wash barn. A fire broke out upon impact, destroying the aircraft, the car, and the barn.
Findings
Post-accident inspections and the disassembly of both engines revealed no mechanical defects or anomalies that contributed to the engine failure. However, the investigation noted that according to the Airplane Flight Manual, operating at maximum power during low-speed flight with one engine inoperative can lead to a loss of directional control.