Accident Sequence
The flight departed from Runway 22L on a night instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance. The pilot was instructed to climb and maintain 2,000 feet and to contact Chicago Departure Control (TRACON). Approximately one minute later, the pilot contacted TRACON and reported climbing through 900 feet for 2,000 feet. The transmission was noted to be in a normal tone of voice and was the last communication received from the aircraft.
Shortly after that call, radio and radar contact were lost. The aircraft subsequently crashed in a steep descent approximately 6,000 feet south of the airport and 3,200 feet left of the extended runway centerline. The last of four radar hits indicated that the aircraft had climbed to 1,300 feet mean sea level (MSL), or about 700 feet above ground level (AGL), before the accident.
Mechanical Examination
Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact engine or flight control problem that would have resulted in the accident.
Maintenance Discrepancies
The aircraft had four open maintenance write-ups dated January 27, 1987, pertaining to cockpit and instrument lighting. These discrepancies included: the left side (pilot's) overhead flood light inoperative, panel flood lights inoperative, interior lighting control knob constantly falling off, and panel post lights either fully on or off. For cargo operations, the maintenance system allowed such discrepancies to be delayed for up to several days until the aircraft was returned to its home base.