Flight History
The airplane departed on an IFR flight in VFR conditions. While climbing from 3,000 to 4,000 feet, the right engine lost power. The pilots diverted toward an uncontrolled airport, secured the right engine, and canceled their IFR clearance.
Attempted Go-Around and Collision
During an approach to land on runway 15, the crew attempted a single-engine go-around. The airplane yawed and rolled to the right; a passenger reported what they believed was a VMC roll. The aircraft struck power lines and crashed in a right-wing-low attitude.
Post-Accident Examination
Wreckage examination revealed that the flaps were retracted, the landing gear was in transit, the left propeller was operating with power, and the right propeller was feathered. The right engine's distributor valve assembly contained a ruptured diaphragm (P/N 364446), an older black style. Bendix Service Bulletin RS-76, issued November 15, 1980, required replacement of the black diaphragm with a red fluorosilicone diaphragm (P/N 245088) at overhaul.
Maintenance History
The right engine was overhauled in June 1992. During maintenance in December 1997, fuel system injectors and nozzles were tested, but the distributor valve assemblies were not. The aircraft had a history of fuel flow fluctuations in the right engine.
Weight and Balance
Calculations showed the airplane was loaded 116.3 pounds over maximum allowable gross weight and 1.3 inches forward of the allowable center-of-gravity range.
Pilot Experience
Both pilots held multi-engine ratings. The owner stated the pilot-in-command had flown the airplane for a short time on December 21, 1998; however, no other records verified that either pilot had flight experience in this make and model.
Probable Cause
Failure of the flight crew to maintain minimum control speed (VMC) during go-around from a single-engine approach, which resulted in loss of control and collision with power lines and the ground. Related factors were: a ruptured diaphragm in the distributor valve (flow divider) of the right engine's fuel injector system, which resulted in loss of power in the right engine; inadequate maintenance; a failure to comply with Bendix Service Bulletin RS-76; the airplane's excessive gross weight and forward center-of-gravity (CG); and both pilots' lack of experience in this make and model of airplane.