Accident Overview
A twin-engine airplane conducting a cargo flight from Reading to Altoona crashed in a field near Bloserville during nighttime operations. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact. The accident occurred while the airplane was cruising at an insufficient altitude.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain after the pilot misjudged the altitude. This determination indicates that the aircraft, under the pilot's control, flew into the ground without any apparent mechanical failure or loss of control.
Contributing Factors
Investigators reported several contributing factors to the accident. These included physical impairment of the pilot and alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgment. A post-accident blood alcohol test revealed a level of 0.98‰, well above legal limits for aviation operations. The specific nature of the physical impairment was not detailed in the findings.