What happened
On July 2, 2025, at approximately 1729 EDT, a Cessna 208B, registration N716MM, was involved in an accident near Monroe, New Jersey. The aircraft was operating as a Part 91 skydive flight. The flight was the second of the day for the aircraft; the previous flight had been completed uneventfully.
During the climb to approximately 3,000 feet mean sea level, the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to glide the aircraft back to runway 27 at Cross Keys Airport (17N) in Cross, New Jersey. The aircraft approached the 3,500-foot asphalt runway at a high speed, floated, and touched down near the end of the runway. The airplane subsequently traveled off the end of the runway and collided with trees approximately 700 feet beyond the runway, traveling about 250 feet through the trees before coming to an upright rest.
The accident resulted in 12 serious injuries and 3 minor injuries. There were no fatalities among the two commercial pilots and 10 passengers.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the wreckage showed substantial damage to the wings and fuselage, with both sides of the fuselage crushed inward. Three of the four propeller blades had separated from the propeller, while the fourth blade was found in a feathered position. The wing fuel tanks and the reservoir header tank were breached, though 0.5 gallons of clear fuel without debris was recovered from the header tank. The flaps and flap jackscrew were found in the fully extended position.
A preliminary examination of the TPE331 engine showed that rotation of the propeller confirmed drivetrain continuity to the gearbox, accessory pad, and scavenger pump. No debris was found in the metal chip detector. Approximately 8 ounces of clear fuel without debris was drained from the engine fuel pump fuel filter bowl.