Accident Overview
An aircraft on a cross-country flight from Dallas, Texas to Wichita, Kansas crashed after starting a go-around or aborted landing at Norman, Oklahoma. Air traffic control had cleared the aircraft to land, but no further radio communication was received. Witnesses reported that the approach appeared normal until short final, when the aircraft suddenly turned right, leveled, then entered a steep climbing right turn, continued rolling until inverted, and pitched nose down until impact.
Flight History
The aircraft had recently been sold, and the identity and location of the owner were not established. No one claimed the wreckage. The pilot in the right seat had reportedly worked late the previous night installing what appeared to be an auxiliary fuel system in the cabin.
Wreckage and Impact
Examination of the wreckage revealed that both propellers were rotating at high rpm at impact, indicating significant engine power. A post-crash fire burned most intensely and persistently in the center of the cabin, where the remains of what appeared to be an auxiliary fuel system were found. No evidence of pre-impact malfunctions or failures was discovered.
Injuries and Official Findings
Both occupants were killed in the accident. The official probable cause stated that the loss of control during go-around (VFR) was due to an undetermined reason associated with the pilot in command. The subsequent collision with terrain occurred during an uncontrolled descent.