Sequence of Events
At 1444, the pilot requested a deviation for weather. At 1510, the pilot acknowledged a clearance to descend from 10,000 to 6,000 feet. No further transmissions were received from the flight.
The airplane then descended on a southerly track. The average rate of descent was 5,137 feet per minute, with a maximum rate of 8,250 feet per minute. Ground speed averaged 160 miles per hour.
Impact occurred with the airplane in a wings-level attitude and approximately 20 degrees nose-low. Thunderstorms were present in the area, accompanied by lightning, heavy rain, high winds, and cloud tops reaching 45,000 feet.
Findings from Baggage and Toxicology
Numerous bottles of insulin, syringes with needles, and a diabetic test kit were found in the pilot's baggage. The copilot's toxicology examination revealed significant amounts of phenobarbital, a controlled substance.
The copilot was not instrument rated. Autopsies of both pilots identified a lack of hand or feet injuries.