What happened
Shortly after takeoff during a night flight, the aircraft impacted a pond located approximately 1/4-mile east of the airport. There were no known eyewitnesses to the accident. The aircraft was discovered approximately 10 hours later, oriented in a nose-down position and partially submerged in six feet of brackish water. A fuel slick was observed on the surface of the water.
The investigation
Investigators examined the airframe and found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. While the flaps were discovered in the full 40-degree extended position, the specific flap configuration at the time of takeoff could not be verified. A subsequent examination of both engines revealed no mechanical malfunctions occurring prior to the impact. Fueling records indicated that the aircraft had been adequately fueled for the intended takeoff.