Accident Details
About seven minutes after takeoff, the airplane struck a volcanic mountain at an elevation of approximately 3,750 feet. Recorded radar data indicated that, following departure, the aircraft turned toward the accident site and climbed steadily to an altitude of 3,600 feet while maintaining a heading of about 143 degrees. The radar track remained steady and level, and the last two minutes of flight were at 3,600 feet.
Communications and Weather
Radio communications between the pilot and tower controllers were normal throughout the flight. The pilot did not make any distress calls prior to the accident. Weather conditions featured clear skies beneath a high overcast, with a dark night and no moonlight.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the airframe revealed no discrepancies with the flight controls. Both engines were inspected, and no mechanical anomalies were found that would have precluded normal operations. There was abundant evidence that symmetrical power was being developed at the moment of impact.