The airplane was substantially damaged at about 1140 Eastern time when it impacted terrain while on approach. The commercial pilot and a pilot-rated mechanic aboard were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed for the local post-maintenance test flight. According to witnesses, the accident flight was the first flight after both of the airplanes engines were replaced. A witness observed the airplane flying in the traffic pattern. He stated the airplanes engine noise was fluctuating from low to high, without stopping completely, and the airplane was “struggling to gain altitude and airspeed.” As the airplane turned to line up with the runway, it “stalled” and descended nose-first to the ground. All propeller blades displayed damage consistent with rotation.
