What happened
During a night operation in the vicinity of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a twin engine airplane was operating at a low altitude while engaged in a narcotics transport mission. During this flight, the aircraft collided with an electrical transmission tower. The impact caused the plane to lose altitude and subsequently crash into an open field.
As a result of the accident, there was one fatality, involving the co-pilot. The captain of the aircraft managed to evade capture following the event.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified several critical factors surrounding the incident. The primary reason for the accident was the collision with the electric tower, which occurred because the crew failed to identify and avoid the obstruction during their low-level flight.
Additional contributing elements noted in the investigation include:
- The aircraft used in the mission had been stolen
- The flight involved unauthorized low-altitude maneuvering
- The cargo consisted of marijuana
- Traces of cocaine were detected in the bloodstream of the co-pilot