What happened
While performing the final segment of an approach toward Easton-Newnam Field Airport, the aircraft experienced a failure of its left engine at an altitude of approximately 150 feet. Following this mechanical issue, the pilot was unable to maintain control of the aircraft, which subsequently impacted the ground roughly 200 feet to the left of the runway. The impact forces were severe enough to result in the total destruction of the plane. There were three fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified a powerplant failure for reasons that remain undetermined. During the sequence of events, black smoke was observed emanating from the engine prior to the aircraft entering a stall departure to the left. Additional contributing factors included the crew's attention being diverted from the operation of the aircraft and a failure to maintain the necessary flying speed during the emergency.