19980519010149A

Annual IFR currency flight for insurance. Began go around stalled crashed and burned right engine power lever off.(.4) the flight was on a practice nondirectional beacon (NDB) approach to Great Falls runway 34 in visual conditions. Abeam the final approach fix, the aircraft was 4 miles right of course. Upon being advised of this by ATC, the pilot corrected back to final with a 60-degree intercept angle, rolling out on course 3 miles from the runway. When the pilot called missed approach, the local controller (a trainee) instructed the pilot to make a 360-degree right turn to enter right downwind for runway 3, and the pilot acknowledged. The controller trainee then amended this instruction to a 180-degree right turn to enter right downwind for runway 21, then to a 180-dgree right turn to enter right downwind for runway 3. The crew did not acknowledge the amended instruction. Controllers then observed the airplane had crashed. Witnesses reported the airplane entered a steep descent from a right turn and impacted the ground at a steep angle. The flight was described as recurrent training required by the owner'sinsurance; however, the second aircraft occupant's airline transport pilot and flight instructor certificates had been revoked, and he held only a private pilot certificate. Investigators found no evidence of aircraft malfunctions. (-23) N121BE a Piper, PA31TA1, was practicing a NDB approach to runway 34 at Great Falls, Montana under VMC. The aircraft executed a missed approach and was instructed by air traffic to make a 180 degree turn and enter a right down wind for runway 3. The aircraft was observed to enter an abrupt descent and impact the terrain. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and post-crash fire. Both of the aircraft's occupants were fatally injured. The location was approximately 1/2 mile ese of the Great Falls airport. It is unknown who was the pilot flying the aircraft at the time of the accident. The listed PIC was the registered owner of the aircraft. The pilot listed as SIC was a certificated private pilot. He formerly held an ATP and CFI certificate, which had been revoked by the FAA. At the accident site, investigators found all engine and propeller controls full forward or near full forward with the exception of the right condition lever which was in the off pos ition. The condition lever linkage on the right engine was heavily damaged, but also appeared to be in the cutoff position. The engines and propellers were sent to their respective manufacturers for a tear down inspection. The flight was described as an annual "recertification flight" required by the aircraft owner's insurance policy.