Accident Overview
The flight was in the process of a precautionary landing at an airport after the crew reported a fuel transfer problem. Witnesses reported hearing variations in the engine sounds, after which they observed the aircraft roll and then strike the ground in a nose-first attitude. A post-crash fire ensued, which was mainly confined to the right wing area.
Post-Crash Examination
Investigators examined the flight control system, engines, and propellers. No preexisting anomalies were found in any of these systems. The left fuel selector and left fuel pumps were functionally tested and passed. However, the right fuel selector and right fuel pumps could not be tested due to fire damage.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be the pilot not maintaining flying speed. A factor in the accident was the fuel transfer problem, the origin of which remains unknown.