Flight and Event Description
The flight was conducted as a maintenance test flight. The pilot performed a normal start and taxi check (NTS check) on each engine before takeoff, with no discrepancies reported. During flight, the pilot performed an NTS check on the left engine. Two attempts to restart the left engine were unsuccessful. Each time, the propeller came out of the feathered position and began to rotate, but there was no fuel flow or ignition. The flight returned to land.
Final Approach and Accident
While on short final to runway 29, with wind from 250 degrees at 20 knots and known wind gusts to 27 knots, a witness observed the airplane pitch nose up, then nose down, and heard the sound of power being applied to the right engine. The airplane then rolled to the left, pitched nose down, and impacted the ground. The aircraft came to rest nearly inverted, with the wing section separated.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination of the left engine and its accessories revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The left engine fuel shutoff valve was found in the 'closed' position, and no fuel was found aft of the fuel shutoff valve. The pilot stated that he has no recollection of the accident. The left and right engines had recently been installed following 'hot section' work, and both were started the day after installation with no discrepancies noted by company maintenance personnel.
Probable Cause
A total loss of power on one engine for undetermined reasons, and the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed (VMC) resulting in an in-flight loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the wind gusts encountered while on final approach to land.