Accident Overview
The aircraft was en route to Chicago Midway Airport when the pilot reported shutting down the right engine during a descent to 16,000 feet. Air Traffic Control cleared the aircraft to 5,000 feet. Approximately ten minutes later, radio transponder and Mode C contact were lost.
Sequence of Events
About 15 minutes after the loss of contact, the aircraft descended out of a 1,800-foot overcast and struck a 170-foot utility tower at the 150-foot level. The aircraft then impacted the ground and burned. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.
Investigation Findings
Investigation revealed that the right engine had a bearing failure due to lack of lubrication. The official findings identified multiple factors across four occurrences:
- Occurrence #1 (Loss of engine power - partial): The engine assembly bearing was distorted and binding (mechanical), and the pilot in command had inadequate emergency procedures.
- Occurrence #2 (Airframe/component/system failure): There was a total electrical system failure, and the pilot lacked familiarity with the aircraft.
- Occurrence #3 (In-flight collision with object): The pilot did not maintain proper altitude, experienced a partial failure of flight/navigation instruments, did not maintain minimum descent altitude, exhibited anxiety/apprehension, and misjudged the descent. The light condition was dark night.
- Occurrence #4 (In-flight collision with terrain/water): The descent was uncontrolled.
Probable Cause
The probable cause as determined by the investigation includes loss of engine power due to a bearing failure, total electrical system failure, pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft, failure to maintain proper altitude and minimum descent altitude, misjudged descent, and anxiety/apprehension.