Accident Details
An aircraft operating a morning flight from Red Bank-Schrewsbury Airport to New York-John Fitzgerald Kennedy Airport crashed shortly after takeoff. The left engine failed while climbing in foggy conditions. The pilot lost control of the airplane, which stalled and impacted a field. All nine occupants on board were killed.
Circumstances
The accident occurred during initial climb after takeoff. The left engine failed for an undetermined reason. Weather conditions were conducive to carburetor icing. The pilot did not maintain flying speed and failed to follow emergency procedures. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was near maximum gross weight and had an aft center of gravity (CofG) beyond the limit.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the failure of the left engine during initial climb for undetermined reason, combined with the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed and to follow emergency procedures. Weather conditions conducive to carburetor icing were noted, and the aircraft was near max gross weight and after CofG limit.