Aircraft Crash into the Sea Off Hampton During Approach to Newport News-Williamsburg Airport (N61436)

Incident Overview and Location Details During a scheduled flight from Washington DC, the aircraft experienced a right engine failure while descending to Newport News-Williamsburg Airport. The crew subsequently lost control of the airplane, which entered a dive and crashed into the sea off Hampton. The impact site was located approximately 12.5 miles southeast of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed, and all four occupants were killed. The body of the copilot was never recovered. ## Official Findings and Contributing Factors The official investigation determined that the probable cause was an uncontrolled descent during the initial approach due to an engine structure failure involving valve assemblies. Several contributing factors were reported in the findings. These included diverted attention from the operation of the aircraft, issues with the electrical system involving generators or alternators, and the failure to use or the incorrect use of miscellaneous equipment. The aircraft came to rest in water. Specific mechanical failures identified included the No. 5 cylinder on the right engine, where the exhaust valve would not seat, and the failure of the right engine alternator bracket.