Incident Details
An aircraft en route from Hagerstown, Maryland, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, experienced engine problems during normal cruise. The crew reported the problem to air traffic control and was cleared to divert to the nearest airport. The pilot-in-command subsequently decided to attempt an emergency landing in a field near Bermudian Valley Airpark, Pennsylvania. Both occupants were injured in the landing, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was engine failure in normal cruise due to improper maintenance on the part of maintenance personnel.
Contributing Factors
The investigation identified several contributing factors: the carburetor deicing system; carburetor ice; the pilot-in-command's failure to follow approved procedures; improper emergency procedures; failure to provide adequate directives, manuals, and equipment; intentional wheels-up landing; conditions conducive to carburetor or induction system icing; partial loss of power on one engine; bolts installed in the right carburetor air system instead of taper pins; as well as an improper flight manual and failure to apply full power.