Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft operating a regional flight on behalf of the Department of Commerce crashed in Corona del Mar, California. While cruising in cloudy conditions, the airplane adopted a nose-down attitude and initiated an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft struck power cables before impacting the ground and was totally destroyed. All nine occupants on board were killed.
Circumstances of the Flight
The aircraft was completing a regional flight for the Department of Commerce. During the cruise phase of flight, while flying in cloudy conditions, the airplane unexpectedly entered a nose-down attitude. This was followed by an uncontrolled descent that continued until the aircraft struck power cables and subsequently crashed.
Damage and Occupants
The aircraft was completely destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire. All nine individuals aboard the aircraft were killed.
Official Investigation
The investigation into the accident determined the probable cause to be an uncontrolled descent caused by a miscellaneous instrument failure in flight for an undetermined reason. No further details regarding the specific instrument failure were provided.