What happened
On the night of the accident, an aircraft operated by two ATP-rated pilots was returning to its home base under an IFR flight plan. The flight was operating in instrument meteorological conditions. While performing a localizer approach into Millville Municipal Airport, air traffic control observed the aircraft deviate from the localizer track and subsequently provided vectors to assist with re-interception. Following these instructions, the aircraft was seen tracking inbound on course, and the pilot confirmed crossing the outer marker.
After this final routine transmission, the aircraft struck a wooded area located just past the outer marker. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft due to a post-impact fire. There were two fatalities among the crew members.
Findings
The investigation into the crash identified several environmental and operational factors. The flight was conducted during a dark night under conditions involving low ceilings, fog, and rain. Analysis of the wreckage indicated that at the time of impact, the left engine was generating less power than the right engine. The official findings attributed the accident to an in-flight collision with an object, noting that the pilot in command failed to maintain proper altitude and follow IFR procedures. Additionally, evidence suggested a partial failure within the engine assembly.