Flight History
A twin-engine airplane was en route when the left engine experienced a reduction in oil pressure. The surviving passenger reported that the left propeller had stopped turning before the flight reached its destination. A left engine oil leak had been reported previously.
Accident Sequence
An approach was initiated to land on Runway 35 at McAlester Regional Airport. During arrival, the airplane crashed on the airport and came to rest 432 feet west of the runway. The impact heading was 292 degrees.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the left engine revealed a fatigue crack and an oil leak in the crankcase. The right propeller was found twisted and bent. The left propeller blades exhibited longitudinal and diagonal scoring.
Flight Plan Miscommunication
The pilot had filed a flight plan with an estimated time en route (ETE) of 4 hours and 15 minutes and an estimated time of arrival (ETA) of 1745 CDT (2245 UTC). When the flight plan was forwarded through Albuquerque Automated Flight Service Station (ABQ AFSS) to the McAlester Automated Flight Service Station (MCL AFSS), the ETE numbers were inadvertently sent or copied as the ETA. MCL received or copied the ETA as 0415 UTC (2315 CDT). A search was not initiated until after the pilot's wife inquired about the overdue airplane at about 2209 CDT. The airplane was located at 0628 CDT the following morning.
Survival
The surviving passenger reported hearing 'moans during the night' and believed the right seat passenger was alive for a time after impact.