What happened
The aircraft departed an airfield and began its climb into dark, mountainous terrain. The flight occurred during a moonless night, creating significant visual challenges despite weather conditions being clear (VMC) at the time and location of the event. The crash site was identified by relatives of the pilot through an aerial search on August 22, 1984. The wreckage was found resting at the 2900-foot level above mean sea level on a mountain peak rising to 3101 feet. This location was approximately five miles from the departure airport along a magnetic bearing of 120 degrees.
The position of the debris field indicated that the flight path had been directly aligned with the intended destination. However, this trajectory carried the aircraft over rising ground rather than clear of it. The aircraft appeared to be following a normal flight profile for the route, which the pilot had flown at night on several previous occasions. The impact and subsequent post-impact fire were severe enough to destroy all evidence that might have allowed for toxicological analysis of the occupants.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage site and the surrounding terrain to determine the sequence of events leading to the collision. The primary focus was on whether mechanical failure or environmental factors contributed to the loss of control or navigation. Examination of the crash area revealed no physical evidence suggesting any mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft systems prior to impact.
The investigation also assessed the weather conditions at the time of the accident. Data confirmed that visual meteorological conditions prevailed, meaning visibility and cloud clearance were sufficient for flight under visual flight rules. Consequently, weather was not considered a contributing factor to the accident, despite the lack of moonlight which reduced ambient illumination.