On August 4, 1978, a Cessna 414 Chancellor (registration N33BN) operated by W. W. Williams Company was involved in an aviation accident near Bluefield-Mercer County, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with trees during a missed approach due to improper maintenance. Contributing factors: missing magnetic plugs in lubricating system, oil exhaustion, high obstructions, missing oil sump drain plug with clean and undamaged threads. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A pilot encountered technical problems with one engine on approach to Bluefield-Mercer County, attempted an emergency landing, struck trees, and crashed. All three occupants were injured; aircraft destroyed.
Accident Overview
On approach to Bluefield-Mercer County Airport, a pilot experienced technical difficulties with one engine. The decision was made to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and crashed a few miles from the airfield. All three occupants sustained injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was conducting an approach to the airport when the engine issue arose. In response, the pilot initiated an emergency landing procedure. During this attempt, the airplane collided with trees and came to rest in a crash. The location was several miles from the intended runway.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a collision with trees during a missed approach due to improper maintenance. Contributing factors included: missing magnetic plugs in the lubricating system; oil exhaustion from the engine lubrication system; high obstructions; and the oil sump drain plug was not found, with the threads on the sump hole being clean and undamaged.