The airplane was substantially damaged at approximately 1245 Central time when it impacted terrain during a go-around. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed for the test flight.
Several witnesses heard an increase in engine rpm consistent with the pilot adding power to perform a go-around. Two witnesses observed the landing gear retracting. Several witnesses reported hearing a subsequent loss of engine power. The nose of the airplane came up and then dropped. The airplane impacted approximately 800 feet off the runway’s departure end.
