Pre-Flight and Weather
Prior to departure, the pilot obtained a weather briefing and was advised of a SIGMET forecasting severe turbulence below 18,000 feet, strong updrafts and downdrafts, strong surface winds, and wind shear near mountains and in passes. The aircraft departed with full fuel tanks and approximately 400 pounds of cargo.
En Route and Arrival
Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) reported that the en route portion of the flight was handled routinely. During the arrival, the pilot contacted the airport UNICOM for a landing advisory. A King Air pilot, who was arriving around the same time, asked the Aerostar pilot if he was making a full stop; the Aerostar pilot replied affirmatively. The King Air pilot subsequently lost sight of the Aerostar and began a 360-degree turn, then asked the Aerostar pilot to advise of his position. Shortly thereafter, the Aerostar pilot transmitted three Mayday calls.
Impact and Examination
Witnesses reported that the aircraft nosed up and entered a steep right bank just before impact. A post-accident examination found no evidence of preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction. However, investigators noted that most of the cargo was located in the baggage compartment, which had a weight limit of 240 pounds, and that this loading could have moved the aircraft's center of gravity well beyond the aft limit. Additionally, the elevator trim was found in the full nose-down position.