Accident Summary
During a Title 14 CFR Part 135 non-scheduled cargo flight, the aircraft collided with a communications tower at an elevation of 1,749 ft AGL (2,149 ft MSL). The impact caused the aircraft to explode and the tower to collapse, scattering debris over an area of approximately 700 yards. The collision occurred at the 1,425-foot level of the tower. Examination of the debris and impact marks revealed no signs of preaccident anomalies with the airframe, flight controls, or engine. The aircraft was operating at a magnetic heading of about 265 degrees at the time of the accident.
Witness Account
A witness, who was in his front yard with his wife and two children, reported hearing the aircraft's engine. He observed the airplane flying westward, appearing to head into the sun. He noted that the airplane seemed lower than other aircraft he had seen fly over the tower previously. The witness stated that the airplane appeared to hit a guy wire, and he did not notice any attempt to correct the flight path before the collision. The airplane then "jolted to the left, and exploded in mid air." The collision occurred approximately three-quarters of the way up the tower, and about four to five seconds later, the tower fell in the direction the aircraft had been traveling.
Weather and Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather conditions at Sanford-Lee County Regional Airport (station 1701) were reported as clear skies, wind from 160 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 22°C, dewpoint 14°C, and altimeter setting 30.06 inHg. The sun was at an altitude of 22 degrees on a bearing of 250 degrees from the accident site. The witness stated that the sky was clear and the tower was visible.
Examination
Investigation of the debris and impact marks on the tower structure confirmed that the airplane struck the tower at the 1,425-foot level. There were no indications of any pre-existing mechanical issues with the airframe, flight controls, or engine.