Incident Overview
A training flight operated by an instructor and a student pilot departed Richmond, Virginia, en route to Petersburg, Virginia. The aircraft, a twin-engine airplane, conducted several touch-and-go maneuvers before attempting a landing. Upon touchdown, the airplane struck the runway surface, prompting the pilot to initiate a go-around. During the go-around, the airplane went out of control, veered off the runway, and came to rest in flames. The aircraft was destroyed, and both occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident: the aircraft went out of control upon landing after the crew failed to extend the landing gear. Contributing factors were reported, including failure to maintain flying speed, diverted attention from the operation of the aircraft, and examination of the runway which revealed propeller slash marks to the right and left of the runway centerline. The right propeller was damaged, with one blade broken, and the left propeller was also damaged.
Examination of Evidence
Post-accident examination of the runway showed propeller slash marks on both sides of the centerline, indicating that the propellers made contact with the ground. The right propeller sustained damage, including one broken blade, and the left propeller was also damaged. These findings are consistent with the landing gear not being extended, as the propellers struck the runway surface.
Conclusion
The accident resulted from a failure to extend the landing gear during the landing sequence, compounded by a loss of flying speed and diverted attention. The go-around maneuver was unable to prevent the loss of control, leading to the aircraft veering off the runway and the subsequent fire.