What happened
While performing a flight from Hagerstown toward Harrisburg, the crew encountered significant engine difficulties. After communicating these technical problems to air traffic control, the pilot received clearance to divert to the closest available airfield. During the diversion, the decision was made to execute an emergency landing in a field situated near Bermeludian Valley Airpark, Pennsylvania.
The impact during the landing resulted in two injuries and caused the aircraft to be destroyed beyond repair. The flight was interrupted during the cruise phase of the journey due to the developing mechanical issues.
Findings
Investigations into the incident determined that the primary reason for the engine failure during normal cruise was a lack of proper maintenance performed by ground personnel. Specifically, the investigation identified that bolts had been used in place of taper pins within the right carburetor air system.
Several contributing factors were noted regarding the operational response and environmental conditions:
- The presence of ice within the carburetor/induction system
- Failure to properly utilize the carburetor deicing system
- Inadequate application of full power during the emergency
- An intentional wheels-up landing maneuver
- Non-compliance with approved emergency procedures by the pilot-in-command
- Deficiencies in provided manuals, equipment, and directives