What happened
The incident occurred while the flight crew was executing a training mission associated with a pilot transition program. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 2,500 feet and performing a left turn. The four-engine plane, which bore the name 'Star of Athens', entered an uncontrolled dive during this maneuver. It subsequently impacted the surface of Delaware Bay, located approximately seven miles west of Cape May Point. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe, and all four crew members were killed.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the accident was caused by a loss of control of the aircraft. However, the specific reasons for this loss of control could not be determined.