Accident Overview
On a night cargo flight from Flint to Pontiac, Michigan, a twin-engine airplane was descending toward Pontiac-Oakland County Airport when it encountered adverse weather conditions. On final approach, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in White Lake, approximately three miles west of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed, and both occupants were killed.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the pilot was operating in bad weather. Local residents reported tornado-like winds in the area. The visibility was two miles or less, with fog and instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions present. Turbulence associated with clouds and thunderstorm activity was also reported.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident resulted from an uncontrolled descent on final approach due to windshear. Contributing factors included turbulence associated with clouds and thunderstorm activity, visibility of two miles or less, fog, IFR conditions, and the presence of tornado-like winds reported by local residents.
Investigation Findings
The aircraft was on a cargo flight from Flint to Pontiac. While making a night descent to Pontiac-Oakland County Airport, the pilot encountered worsening weather. The airplane went out of control on final approach and crashed, destroying the aircraft and claiming the lives of both occupants. The investigation cited windshear as the cause of the uncontrolled descent, with several weather-related factors contributing to the accident.