What happened
Approximately twelve minutes after departing, the aircraft's left engine began exhibiting significant vibrations and rough operation. In an attempt to manage the issue, the pilot shut down the left engine. Although the flight was intended to continue to a destination roughly 210 nautical miles away, the pilot bypassed five different airports featuring runways longer than 5,000 feet, as well as a mountain range, while navigating toward the arrival point.
During the approach phase, the pilot utilized a VOR procedure and entered an extended downwind pattern. While on short final, the pilot initiated a go-around after failing to receive indications that the landing gear had been deployed. During the subsequent attempt to land on runway 12, the aircraft struck the ground approximately 100 yards before the runway threshold. The impact continued into a ditch and the airport perimeter fence. Physical evidence at the scene included three distinct tire tracks stretching from the initial touchdown point to the ditch, where the landing gear was ultimately sheared off.
Findings
An investigation by an FAA inspector determined that the landing gear system was functioning correctly and showed no mechanical defects. However, a detailed examination of the left engine identified an internal failure within the left magneto. This failure was attributed to wear and a lack of lubrication, which resulted in cylinder cross-firing.