Incident Overview
An aircraft being operated without company authorization crashed in heavily wooded terrain approximately 60 miles northeast of Ruston, Louisiana, and about 37 miles north-northeast of Monroe. The accident occurred around 1755 CST, just after official sunset at the site (1754 CST).
Flight Details
The aircraft was based at Monroe, Louisiana. The company pilot in command (PIC) and another pilot, serving as copilot (CP), took the aircraft without company permission. They flew approximately 30 miles west to Ruston, where they purchased fuel, even though fuel was available at the home airport at a somewhat higher price. While in Ruston, the PIC told an acquaintance that he would be returning to Monroe in a "round about fashion."
Departure and Crash
The aircraft was observed departing Ruston at 1650 CST in a northeasterly direction. Later, the aircraft struck trees and crashed on a northwesterly heading. The wreckage was scattered over an area exceeding 300 feet on heavily wooded terrain.
Investigation Findings
Investigators found no evidence of preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft or its engines. The weather in the area was estimated to be 500-foot overcast ceiling, visibility 2 miles with fog and light drizzle.