What happened
Following the receipt of an instrument flight rules clearance, the flight crew was instructed to climb to 5,000 feet and expected to reach flight level 220 ten minutes after departure. The crew correctly acknowledged these instructions. During the initial climb phase, a crew member requested a higher altitude from air traffic control, subsequently stating a target altitude of 2,200 feet. The approach controller responded by instructing the aircraft to remain at 5,000 feet, but no subsequent radio contact was established by the flight crew.
The aircraft subsequently struck wooded, up-sloping terrain located roughly 4.8 miles west of the departure airfield. The wreckage was found at an elevation of approximately 2,300 feet. The debris path began where several trees were observed to have been broken at a consistent height. At the time of the accident, meteorological observations from a station 12 miles north-northwest of the site indicated a ceiling of 1,700 feet with overcast conditions and few clouds at 300 feet.
Findings
- The aircraft impacted wooded, up-sloping terrain during the climb.
- There was a discrepancy in altitude communication between the crew and air traffic control regarding the intended flight level.