What happened
Following the purchase of a multi-engine airplane, a student pilot and a private pilot traveled from Lubbock, Texas, to Portales, New Mexico, to finalize the transaction. On the following day, the private pilot began providing flight instruction to the student pilot in the newly acquired aircraft, despite not holding a flight instructor rating or a multi-engine rating.
During the third leg of a flight involving a mid-way stop, the aircraft was on approach to its destination when it crashed. Witnesses and security camera footage recorded the aircraft performing a sharp right turn and entering a spiral descent before striking terrain and several unoccupied semi-trailers. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft.
Findings
An investigation of the engines, propellers, and airframe found no mechanical issues that would have prevented the aircraft from performing normally. However, maintenance records indicated that the aircraft was overdue for its annual inspection, and no special flight permit had been secured from the FAA for the flight to Georgia.
Toxicology results for the student pilot showed the presence of amphetamine, a controlled substance that can cause cognitive impairment, though its specific role in the crash remains unconfirmed. The investigation concluded that the accident was likely driven by the private pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, a situation worsened by his lack of appropriate ratings and poor decision-making.