Accident
On final approach to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, a twin-engine aircraft was flying too close to a preceding Boeing 727. Air traffic control cautioned the pilot about wake turbulence. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground, and crashed a few miles short of the runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact, and all four occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a loss of control on final approach because the pilot failed to follow approved procedures. The airplane encountered turbulence approximately 95 seconds behind and below the flight path of a landing Boeing 727. The pilot had been cautioned by the tower about wake turbulence.