Background
Three aircraft—a Beech Liner, a Boeing 757, and an Israel Westwind (WW)—were vectored for landings on Runway 19R. The 757 and the Westwind were sequenced for visual approaches behind the Beech.
Sequence of Events
Before being cleared for the visual approach, the Westwind was closing to 3.5 miles from the 757 on a converging course. Air traffic control instructed both the 757 and Westwind crews to slow to 150 knots. The 757 slowed below 150 knots and was high on final approach with a descent rate of 5.6 degrees. The Westwind continued to converge, reaching about 2.1 miles behind the 757 on a 3-degree approach. ATC did not specifically advise, nor was it required by the ATC handbook to advise, the Westwind pilots that they were behind a Boeing 757.
Encounter and Crash
The Westwind captain discussed possible wake turbulence, flew the ILS at one dot high, noted the closeness to the 757, and indicated there should be no problem. While descending through approximately 1,100 feet MSL, the Westwind encountered wake turbulence from the 757, rolled into a steep descent, and crashed.
Additional Findings
An investigation found that the crew lacked specific wake turbulence training. A toxicological analysis detected chlorpheniramine (a common over-the-counter antihistamine not approved for flying) in the pilot's lung tissue at a concentration of 0.094 ug/mL. (See special study NTSB/SIR-94/01)