Event Overview
A cargo flight en route from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Youngstown, Ohio, encountered engine problems while at cruising altitude. The pilot reported the issue and elected to divert to Charleston-Kanawha Airport in West Virginia for an emergency landing. After receiving clearance, the pilot initiated a descent when the aircraft went out of control and crashed in flames a few miles from the airfield. The aircraft was destroyed, and the sole occupant, the pilot, was killed.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was an uncontrolled collision with ground on final approach following the pilot's attempt to operate the aircraft with known deficiencies in equipment. The following contributing factors were identified:
- Improper IFR operation
- Lubricating system: lines, hoses, fitting
- Oil leak
- Pilot fatigue
- Low ceiling
- Forced landing off airport on land
- Pilot departed on the last leg of flight despite observing a large oil leak
- Pilot had been on duty since 0730 local time
Sequence of Events
The flight was operating as a cargo service. After reporting engine problems, the pilot was cleared to divert to Charleston-Kanawha Airport. The descent was initiated, but shortly thereafter, the aircraft lost control and crashed in flames near the airport. The wreckage was destroyed, and the pilot did not survive.