What happened
A private pilot operating a multi-engine aircraft was conducting a flight with marijuana on board despite lacking the specific rating required to fly such an aircraft. During the flight, the pilot contacted Jacksonville Approach Control and reported that he could not see the ground due to dense ground fog. He also informed air traffic control that the aircraft was low on fuel and requested assistance in landing.
The pilot was cleared for an instrument landing system approach to Jacksonville International Airport but was unable to complete the maneuver. The aircraft's radio equipment was old and provided poor communications, but air traffic control personnel managed to vector the aircraft for a precision approach to the Naval Air Station. The first attempt was unsuccessful, and the aircraft's fuel state became critical. Subsequently, an engine lost power from fuel exhaustion.
While the pilot was attempting a single-engine approach, the aircraft entered a right turn and crashed in a steep nose-down, right wing-low attitude. An examination of the wreckage revealed that the right engine was feathered and the left propeller had damage consistent with high power.
The investigation
An examination of the wreckage revealed the right engine was feathered and the left propeller had damage consistent with high power.
Findings
The pilot held an instrument rating but had no rating to fly multi-engine aircraft. The aircraft's radio equipment was old and provided poor communications. The first precision approach attempt was unsuccessful, leading to a critical fuel state. An engine lost power from fuel exhaustion.