Accident Summary
On a flight from Barstow to Lake City, the pilot informed air traffic control of a right engine failure and received clearance to divert to Gainesville Airport. While on final approach in limited visibility due to fog, the twin-engine airplane struck electronic towers and subsequently crashed in a field, bursting into flames. All three occupants were killed.
Sequence of Events
During the en route phase, the right engine failed. The pilot communicated the failure to ATC and was cleared to divert to Gainesville. On final approach, fog reduced visibility. The airplane collided with electronic towers and crashed, resulting in a post-crash fire.
Contributing Factors
The official investigation identified the following contributing factors:
- The pilot failed to see and avoid objects or obstructions.
- Inadequate maintenance and inspection of the aircraft by maintenance personnel.
- Fuel system: filters, strainers, screens were missing.
- Low ceiling.
- Fog.
- Complete failure of the right engine.
- Visibility of two miles or less.
- Right fuel filter filtering element missing.
- Left filter contained a substantial amount of debris.
- Main oil screens were abnormally dirty.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be powerplant failure for undetermined reasons.