Introduction
An aviation accident occurred during a training flight involving a pilot receiving instruction. The flight was uneventful until the final approach segment.
Flight Sequence
The pilot receiving instruction completed three full-stop landings without incident. After the fourth takeoff, the flight instructor simulated a prearranged left engine failure at approximately 600 feet above ground level. The pilot followed emergency procedures, used the checklist, and prepared to land.
Accident Sequence
On final approach, when the airplane was about 50 to 100 feet above ground level, the pilot judged the approach to be too high and initiated a go-around. The pilot moved the throttle levers full forward, but neither engine responded to the power inputs. The flight instructor then pushed the airplane's nose down, and the pilot continued the approach. During touchdown, the right main and nose landing gear collapsed. A post-impact fire ensued, consuming most of the airplane.
Post-Accident Examination
Postaccident examination of the landing gear revealed that the collapse was due to bending overload, consistent with a hard landing. The reason for the failure of both engines to respond to power inputs could not be determined because of the extensive post-crash fire damage.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the official findings, is the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate descent rate while on final approach, which resulted in a hard landing and landing gear collapse due to overload following the failure of both engines to respond to power inputs during an attempted go-around for reasons that could not be determined due to postcrash fire damage.