What happened
During a flight, the pilot experienced instrument indications that prompted a decision to divert to Okeechobee. However, the crew was unable to locate the intended airport. Following this, reports indicated that the aircraft was experiencing engine difficulties, leading the pilot to attempt an emergency landing on a dirt road.
As the aircraft approached the road with landing lights activated, it was traveling in the opposite direction of an oncoming vehicle. During the maneuver, the plane entered a left turn and subsequently rolled into a steep right bank. The aircraft then descended in a nose-down attitude, impacting the ground and catching fire. There were 10 fatalities among the 10 occupants on board the aircraft type.
Findings
Post-accident examinations indicated that both engines were functioning at high RPM at the time of the incident. A detailed teardown of the engines revealed that a bearing within the right engine fuel control had failed. This failure caused improper movement of the fuel control drive shaft.
Investigation into maintenance records showed that the aircraft was 13 hours past its required 150-hour inspection interval, which had last been performed on 11/25/92. Additionally, the operator had not implemented a specific service bulletin regarding the maintenance of fuel control bearings. It was also noted that the pilot had not completed formal ground school training regarding the specific systems and operation of the aircraft.