What happened
During the final approach phase of flight, observers noted that the aircraft's engines were producing backfiring sounds. As the aircraft was on short final, another plane entered the runway to begin its takeoff sequence. In response, the pilot of the subject aircraft initiated a go-around maneuver. Witnesses observed that the aircraft struggled to gain altitude and appeared to be traveling at a low airspeed.
While approximately mid-field, the aircraft performed a turn of roughly 45 degrees away from the runway heading. Within a quarter-mile of the runway, the aircraft lost altitude. At an altitude of approximately 80 feet, the aircraft entered a stall and rolled onto its left wing. The aircraft then struck the flat, open terrain in a nose-low attitude. A fire broke out following the impact and destroyed the wreckage.
Findings
An inspection of the engines following the accident revealed that both engines had been operating under a lean mixture setting. Specifically, the left engine showed more significant evidence of a lean condition, including early signs of detonation on the piston heads, as well as damage to the spark plugs and pistons. No other malfunctions were identified within the airframe or the right engine.