What happened
During a nighttime cargo operation traveling from Flint to Pontiac, a twin engine airplane experienced a catastrophic loss of control. While the aircraft was on final approach to the Pontiac-Oakland County Airport, it encountered severe weather conditions. The flight ended in a crash in the vicinity of White Lake, located approximately three miles west of the destination airfield.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were two fatalities among the occupants, which included the pilot and one other person.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent during its final approach due to windshear. Several environmental factors contributed to the loss of control:
- Significant turbulence linked to thunderstorm activity and cloud cover
- Reduced visibility, measured at two miles or less
- Presence of fog and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions
- Reports from local residents describing winds similar to a tornado in the area