Accident Summary
Following takeoff from Salisbury-Wicomico County Regional Airport, the pilot of a twin-engine aircraft reported a double engine failure while climbing. The pilot attempted to return to the airport for an emergency landing. During the final approach, while turning back to the airport with the left throttle at idle, the airplane stalled and crashed approximately half a mile short of the runway. The aircraft was destroyed, and all five occupants were killed.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be a double engine failure during initial climb, leading to a subsequent stall and crash, due to the aircraft being improperly serviced by ground crew. Several contributing factors were identified, including fuel contamination (exclusive of water in fuel), improper fuel grade, inadequate supervision and training of ramp crews by operational supervisory personnel, failure of both engines, improper emergency procedures, failure to follow approved procedures, high obstructions, and kerosene mixed with 100LL fuel.