What happened
The pilot was conducting a local visual flight rules (VFR) flight when the aircraft experienced an engine failure approximately forty-three minutes after takeoff. At the time of the malfunction, the pilot contacted the Caldwell/Essex County Air Traffic Control Tower to report the emergency.
Attempting to execute an emergency landing at a nearby airport, Lincoln Park, the pilot determined that the airfield was beyond the glide distance of the aircraft. Consequently, the airplane impacted trees and rocks in a wooded area. Witnesses observed the aircraft just prior to the collision. A post-impact fire consumed the fuselage and caused damage to the engine.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the cause of the incident. The inspection did not disclose evidence of any pre-impact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have contributed to the engine stoppage.