Incident Overview
On approach to Houston-William P. Hobby Airport, a low oil pressure indication in the right engine gearbox compelled the flight crew to shut down that engine and feather its propeller. For reasons not determined during the investigation, the propeller did not fully feather. The aircraft approached the runway with a higher-than-normal speed and lower-than-normal altitude.
Sequence of Events
After touchdown, and after the airplane had rolled approximately half of the available landing distance (7,600 feet), the captain decided to abort the landing and initiate a go-around. Following liftoff, fire was observed emanating from the tail exhaust pipe, and simultaneously the left engine lost power. The crew then executed an emergency landing, performing a belly landing in an open field near the airport. All 20 occupants were evacuated from the aircraft; one passenger sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the wheels-up landing resulted from the crew's decision to attempt a go-around after failing to follow approved procedures. The following contributing factors were identified: improper execution of emergency procedures, a poorly planned approach, failure of both engines, a forced landing off airport on land, the right engine being shut down in flight due to low oil pressure, the right propeller not being fully feathered, and the left engine being unable to fully accelerate.