Overview
A training flight from Los Angeles to Ontario ended in a crash when the aircraft went out of control on final approach. The airplane was totally destroyed and all five crew members were killed.
Flight Details
The pilot under supervision was tasked with completing an instrument landing system (ILS) approach with one engine simulated inoperative. After the approach, a missed approach and go-around procedure was to be executed. The flight check captain was also on board to supervise the training exercise.
Accident Sequence
On final approach to runway 25R, the airplane went out of control and crashed in a field. The impact resulted in the complete destruction of the aircraft.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the failure of the aircraft rudder hydraulic actuator support fitting. This failure resulted in the inapparent loss of left rudder control, which, under the conditions of the flight, precluded the pilots' ability to maintain directional control during a simulated engine-out missed approach. Additionally, the existing weather conditions degraded external visual cues, thereby hampering rapid assessment of aircraft performance by the flight check captain.