Aircraft Crashed in Steep Terrain Near Destination (N36CK)

Accident Overview and Flight Path Data The aircraft impacted the terrain in a nose-down attitude during a nearly vertical descent. The crash site was located about 1 1/2 miles from the airplane's intended destination. Radar data indicated that the airplane was in a descent before the accident. Approximately 2 1/2 minutes before impact, the descent rate and ground speed slowed. The final ground speed was recorded as less than 50 knots. ## Terrain and Impact Conditions The accident occurred in steep wooded hills. The source states that there were no suitable forced landing areas in the terrain. Both fuel tanks were ruptured, and fuel was found in the lines between the fuel selector and the engine. ## Investigation Findings Investigators did not find evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction in the engine or airframe. A review of refueling records and previous flights was inconclusive regarding the amount of fuel on the airplane when it departed on the accident flight.