Accident Overview
A pilot conducting a personal trip that he had flown many times encountered difficulties near his destination. According to the investigation, additional fuel was not available at the departure airport. During the flight, the pilot inadvertently left one engine in a fuel crossfeed configuration, resulting in a partial loss of power.
Emergency and Loss of Control
The aircraft, capable of climbing at more than 500 feet per minute on a single engine, experienced the power reduction. The pilot declared an emergency to the control tower, after which radio contact was lost. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at very low altitude, at a 90-degree angle to the ILS final approach course, and banking side to side.
Crash and Post-Impact Fire
The airplane crashed in a 70-degree nose-down attitude. Heavy snow had begun falling just before the accident. A post-crash fire consumed much of the aircraft. Both occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was determined to be a loss of control due to a distraction caused by a partial loss of power. Contributing to the accident was adverse weather near the destination airport.