What happened
During a nighttime cargo operation traveling from Youngstown to Pontiac, the pilot of a three-aircraft formation initiated an unauthorized low-altitude maneuver. While leading the flight, the pilot attempted to fly closely over a private residence. During this maneuver, the aircraft type (unspecified) impacted treetops, resulting in a post-impact fire that completely destroyed the plane. The pilot, who was the only person on board at the time of the impact, sustained fatal injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several critical errors made by the flight leader. The primary factor was a collision with trees resulting from an error in judging available clearance. Additional contributing elements included:
- The pilot's decision to engage in unwarranted low-altitude flying
- A lack of appropriate judgment during the mission
- Insufficient supervision of the flight crew members involved in the formation