Accident Overview
A single-engine airplane departed Fort Eustis-Felker Army Airfield on a liaison flight bound for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. During the flight, the pilot experienced engine difficulties and subsequently lost control of the aircraft. The airplane crashed into the Potomac River off Coles Point, Virginia, and sank. All five individuals on board sustained fatal injuries.
Occupants
The flight crew consisted of Captain James P. Perry, pilot, and Captain Dennis A. Wrobleski, copilot. The passengers were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Marvin L. Johnson, Chief Warrant Officer 3 William J. Francis, and Specialist 6 Roger C. Fultz.
Probable Cause
It was determined that the loss of control was the consequence of a bent stop on the propeller governor which caused the engine to fail in flight due to overspeed.