What happened
On October 13, 2024, at approximately 22:30 EDT, a Cessna 336, registration N336LV, crashed near Savannah, Georgia. The flight was operating under Part 91 regulations as a personal flight, traveling from Miami Executive Airport (TMB) to Savannah International Airport (SAV).
While flying at 7,000 feet, the pilot contacted air traffic control to report being inbound to SAV and confirmed he had the current weather conditions. After being cleared to descend to 2,000 feet for an approach to runway 28, the pilot requested a direct approach due to fuel concerns. Shortly after this request was approved, the pilot reported a loss of engine power and declared an emergency, later notifying controllers that both engines had lost power.
Air traffic control provided radar vectors toward Hunter Army Airfield (SVN). Although the pilot reported seeing the runway lights, he expressed concern about being able to reach the airfield. The pilot's final transmission stated that he would not be able to reach the runway. The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain in a residential area approximately 2 nautical miles northeast of SVN. The accident resulted in 1 fatal injury to the commercial pilot and 1 minor injury to the pilot-rated passenger.
The investigation
All major components of the aircraft were located at the accident site. The impact forces destroyed the cockpit and instrument panel, and the fuselage sustained extensive crush damage. The left wing separated outboard of the inboard fuel tank; while the tank remained intact, it was empty. The outboard section of the left wing showed a breached fuel tank with trace amounts of fuel present. The right wing also separated outboard of the inboard fuel tank, which remained intact and contained trace amounts of fuel. The outboard section of the right wing was partially attached to the aircraft by control cables. Both engines remained attached to the fuselage and showed signs of impact damage. The vertical stabilizer, rudder, and horizontal stabilizer were partially attached and also exhibited impact damage.