What happened
During a flight intended for practicing touch-and-go landings, a multiengine airplane crashed into a heavily wooded area approximately one mile from the airport. The flight was being conducted by two pilots, one of whom was single-engine rated and occupying the right seat, while a multiengine-rated pilot occupied the left seat. This flight marked the first time the aircraft had been flown since its purchase five years prior.
After the aircraft failed to appear in the airport traffic pattern, a concerned acquaintance reported the plane missing. The wreckage was located the following morning. There were no witnesses to the impact. At the time of the crash, the aircraft's landing gear was extended, the wing flaps were deployed, and the propeller on the left engine had not been feathered.
Findings
Investigation of the wreckage indicated that the left engine's propeller was rotating at a low speed upon impact, whereas the right engine's propeller showed signs of high rotational speed and power. An inspection of the left engine's fuel servo revealed heavy sediment contamination, and the fuel pump demonstrated inadequate suction and compression. These fuel system issues likely caused a reduction in the performance of the left engine.
Because the aircraft was configured with extended flaps and gear, and the left propeller remained unfeathered, its ability to maintain flight on a single engine was significantly compromised. It is believed that the left engine lost power while the pilots were maneuvering within the airport traffic pattern, leading to the subsequent impact with trees and terrain. There were no fatalities reported among the crew.