Accident Overview
On May 17, 2008, about 1245 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 337A, registration N5382S, was substantially damaged when it struck trees and terrain while attempting to divert to Eagles Nest Airport (31E) in West Creek, New Jersey. The certificated commercial pilot and one passenger were fatally injured, and the other two passengers sustained serious injuries. The flight was operated by Ambroult Aviation under 14 CFR Part 91 as a marine mammal survey for an environmental services company contracted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Flight History
The aircraft was based at Chatham Municipal Airport (CQX), Massachusetts, but had temporarily relocated to Millville Airport (MIV), New Jersey. The accident flight departed MIV about 1104. The survey involved flying transect lines at 750 feet mean sea level. After completing three survey lines, the pilot reported fuel problems and announced a diversion to the nearest airstrip. Witnesses near the airport heard unusual engine sounds, including the engines stopping and restarting at least twice. The GPS-derived flight path showed a climb to about 1,200 feet before descending toward runway 32 at Eagles Nest Airport, crossing the runway at about 250 feet. The aircraft then impacted trees approximately 400 feet south of the approach end of runway 32.
Wreckage Examination
The main wreckage was contained in a wooded area. The front engine had separated and exhibited impact damage; the rear engine was inverted but partially attached. Both propeller blades showed bending but no chordwise scratching. Fuel system examination revealed all six fuel tanks intact and unbreached, with a total of about 13 gallons of fuel recovered. The left auxiliary tank contained approximately 2 gallons, the right auxiliary tank contained about 11 gallons, and the main tanks had trace amounts or were empty. The fuel selector valve for the front engine was set to the left auxiliary tank, while the selector for the rear engine was set to the right main tank, which corresponded to an off position. The rear engine fuel strainer was devoid of fuel. The landing gear was extended, and the flaps were set to one-third extended.
Toxicology and Autopsy
Toxicological tests on the pilot were negative. The Ocean County medical examiner listed the cause of death for both the pilot and the fatally injured passenger as multiple traumatic injuries. The pilot's autopsy noted extensive rib cage fractures, a displaced thoracic vertebral fracture, transection of the thoracic aorta, and lung contusions. The passenger's autopsy revealed a basilar skull fracture, cervical fracture, sternum fracture, rib fractures, and displaced leg fractures.