Accident
Shortly after takeoff from Catalina Island Airport, while in initial climb, a twin-engine airplane went out of control and crashed on a mountainous area near the airport. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants were killed.
Investigation
Official findings reported that the crew suffered incapacitation. Contributing factors included physical impairment, failure of the air condition, heating and pressurization system, fatigue fracture, and fog. Toxicological analysis revealed 45% carbon monoxide in the pilot and 16.8% in the copilot. The cabin heater had cracks in its combustion chamber.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was determined to be an uncontrolled collision with the ground during initial climb after the crew suffered incapacitation. Contributing factors were physical impairment, failure of the air condition, heating and pressurization system, fatigue fracture, fog, 45% carbon monoxide in the pilot, 16.8% in the copilot, cabin heater, and cracks in the combustion chamber.