Accident Overview
During the final segment of the approach to Easton-Newnam Field Airport, the airplane experienced a left engine failure at an altitude of approximately 150 feet above ground. The pilot lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently crashed about 200 feet to the left of the runway. Impact forces destroyed the airplane, and all three occupants sustained fatal injuries.
Sequence of Events
The accident occurred while the airplane was conducting a landing approach. According to reports, the left engine failed at a critical phase of flight, leaving the pilot with limited altitude to recover. Following the engine failure, witnesses observed black smoke emanating from the aircraft. The pilot's attention became diverted, and the airplane failed to maintain flying speed. This led to an aerodynamic stall, and the airplane departed controlled flight, banking to the left before impacting terrain.
Official Findings
The investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors included the pilot's diverted attention from operation of the aircraft, failure to maintain flying speed, and the observed black smoke followed by a stall departure to the left.