What happened
During a cross-country repositioning flight, the pilot notified air traffic control of an intention to begin a descent. Following this transmission, the aircraft's flight path deviated westward. Radar and GPS data indicated that the aircraft was at approximately 90 feet above ground level, traveling at 66 knots, just before the final recorded position. The wreckage was discovered in an open field, with impact patterns suggesting a near-vertical descent at low speed, consistent with a stall/spin.
Investigation of the wreckage revealed that the right engine had suffered a loss of oil due to an improperly secured oil gauge housing extension. Evidence of a hole in the crankcase and metal debris in the oil sump indicated a lack of lubrication. The cockpit switches showed that the pilot had performed an in-flight shutdown of the right engine. While the left engine and the airframe showed no operational defects, the autopilot was found active in roll, heading, and pitch modes.
Findings
- The right engine failed because an improperly secured component led to oil depletion.
- The pilot failed to maintain sufficient airspeed while operating on a single engine, causing the aircraft to exceed its critical angle of attack.
- The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall/spin due to the loss of airspeed and potential bank angles required to maintain heading.
- It remains undetermined if the pilot was distracted by the engine failure or if the presence of sedating allergy medications and historical medical conditions contributed to the lack of corrective action.