What happened
During a cruise flight at 6,000 feet, the aircraft experienced a loss of power in the left engine. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but the propeller only completed approximately one-half of a rotation before the engine was shut down. Due to the inability to maintain the current altitude, the pilot began a descent and requested an instrument approach at an airport characterized by heavy fog, with visibility of only 1/4 statute mile and a vertical visibility of 100 feet.
During the initial approach, the pilot performed a missed approach at the minimum descent altitude. As the aircraft climbed, the pilot informed air traffic control that the maximum altitude achievable was 2,200 feet. A second approach was subsequently started toward the reciprocal runway. During this second attempt, the pilot indicated an intention to fly the aircraft directly to the runway, subsequently extending the landing gear and reducing power. The pilot determined that a go-around was not possible and descended below the decision height. At an altitude of approximately 70 to 80 feet, the pilot applied power to assist the landing, but the nose of the aircraft made contact with the runway. A passenger noted that after the runway became obscured, the pilot pitched the nose up and attempted a go-around maneuver similar to the previous attempt.
Findings
An inspection of the left engine following the accident revealed that the crankshaft had suffered a fatigue fracture located between main journal number 2 and connecting rod journal number 2. This mechanical failure was the primary factor leading to the loss of power during the cruise phase.