Accident Overview
The pilot reported losing the left engine during the initial climb phase of a cross-country flight. Ground witnesses observed that the airplane's landing gear was extended and the left propeller was feathered as it turned left onto the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. Other witnesses saw the airplane's wings dip before it nosed over into the terrain while turning onto the final approach course. The airplane struck the ground and a fence that separated two residential yards.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage disclosed that the left engine's scavenge pump had failed. This failure led the pilot to believe that the engine had failed.
Pilot Actions
The pilot's improper emergency procedures—specifically, failing to retract the landing gear and maintain airspeed—precipitated the resulting stall and uncontrolled descent.
Occupants
Both occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's improper emergency procedures by not retracting the landing gear when he shut the engine down and his failure to maintain airspeed. Factors contributing to the accident included the scavenge pump failure, shutting down the engine, and the inadvertent stall.