What happened
While in flight, the pilot experienced a loss of oil pressure in the left engine and subsequently shut that engine down. Following this mechanical issue, an emergency was declared, and the flight was diverted toward an alternate landing site. During the diversion, the aircraft disappeared from radar and all radio communication was lost. The aircraft eventually impacted the ground at an estimated descent angle of 45 degrees, with the wreckage path spanning roughly 60 feet.
Findings
Investigation of the wreckage revealed several abnormalities within the left engine. Evidence of oil was discovered on the left flap, the bottom of the fuselage, the underside of the left horizontal stabilizer, and behind the left engine. Fuel stains were also present in the surrounding grass, though no evidence of a fire prior to impact was identified. At the time of the crash, local reports indicated that sleet was falling, and another pilot in the area noted the presence of structural icing conditions. Notably, the pilot had previously reported low oil pressure in the left engine and had replenished the engine with seven quarts of oil prior to this departure. No power was detected in either engine or propeller at the time of impact, and the right engine showed no discrepancies.