Departure
The pilot of the airplane took off from Newark International Airport and departed a VFR corridor to the west.
Air Traffic Control
Air Traffic Control (ATC) records indicated that initial services were provided by Newark Airport ground control and by the tower. Further ATC service from approach control was offered, but the pilot declined the service. At 1024, radar service was terminated; however, radar facilities continued to track the airplane.
Descent and Impact
Radar data showed the airplane climbed to 1,800 feet mean sea level (MSL) and continued at that altitude for approximately 38 seconds in a westerly direction. The last radar plot at 1,800 feet was at 1028:26. At 1028:31, radar data indicated the airplane had descended to 1,100 feet MSL, representing an 8,400 feet-per-minute rate of descent. No further radar plots were recorded. The airplane impacted wooded terrain behind a house in a residential area in a 60-degree nose-down attitude.
Post-accident Examination
Witnesses stated that the engines were running 'loud' and 'perfectly well' before impact. Examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-impact anomalies.