Engine Failure
Twelve minutes after departure, the left engine began to run rough and vibrate. The pilot reported being unable to correct the problem and subsequently shut down the left engine. No emergency was declared. The pilot informed air traffic control that he would continue to his destination, located 210 nautical miles away, with an estimated flight time of 1.5 hours remaining.
Approach and Landing
During the flight, the pilot overflew five airports with runways exceeding 5,000 feet in length, as well as a mountain range. He then executed a VOR approach and entered an extended downwind pattern. On short final approach, the pilot initiated a go-around after not receiving gear down indications. He subsequently maneuvered for a downwind landing on runway 12. The aircraft struck the ground 100 yards short of the runway, then collided with a ditch and the airport fence.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector reported three clear tire tracks from the point of touchdown to the ditch, where the landing gear was sheared off. Examination of the gear system revealed no anomalies. Inspection of the left engine found that a left magneto internal failure had occurred due to lack of lubrication and wear, which caused cylinder cross firing.
Probable Cause
The official findings stated the probable cause as: 1) The internal failure of the left engine, left magneto due to inadequate maintenance and non compliance with the manufacturers service bulletins and recommendations, and 2) The failure of the pilot to attain the proper touchdown point during the landing attempt. Factors in the accident were the inability of the pilot to shut off the left magneto and the false landing gear indications, both for undetermined reasons.