What happened
During an early morning departure from Red Bank-Schrewsbury Airport, an aircraft bound for New York-John Fitzgerald Kennedy Airport experienced a critical mechanical issue. While the flight was in its initial climb phase through heavy fog, the left engine ceased functioning. This loss of power resulted in the pilot losing control of the plane, which subsequently entered a stall. The aircraft impacted a field near the departure site.
There were nine fatalities resulting from the impact, with no survivors among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified several contributing elements to the loss of control. The primary mechanical factor was the failure of the left engine during the climb, an event for which a specific trigger remained undetermined. However, investigators noted that the prevailing weather conditions were highly suitable for carburetor icing to occur.
Additional operational factors included the pilot's inability to maintain sufficient airspeed and a failure to execute established emergency protocols. Furthermore, the aircraft was operating near its maximum gross weight and was positioned beyond the center of gravity limits at the time of the accident.