What happened
A multi-engine, pressurized, high-performance aircraft crashed into a wooded area approximately 4 miles from its departure airport. Witnesses near the crash site observed the aircraft flying overhead with both engines running, though they noted the engines appeared to be at idle and the landing gear and flaps were retracted. During the observation, the aircraft was seen rolling to the left three times before descending below the tree line. Witnesses also reported hearing engine backfiring or popping sounds during the descent. The aircraft's impact with the trees resulted in a wreckage path of approximately 75 feet.
At the time of the accident, the aircraft was intended for resale following repairs. While a mechanic had identified a pilot to relocate the plane once inspections were complete, the necessary repairs and logbook entries to return the aircraft to service had not been finalized. The pilot on board the flight, a commercial pilot, did not have the required ratings for this specific complex aircraft, and the owner had not authorized the flight. The flight was likely personal in nature as another passenger was on board.
Findings
Post-accident examination of the wreckage showed no evidence of mechanical failures that would have prevented normal operation. Both propeller blades showed evidence of low rotational energy at the time of impact, and neither propeller had been feathered during the flight. Investigators determined that the pilot lost control of the aircraft during maneuvers.
Contributing factors included the pilot's lack of documented training or experience in this specific make and model. Additionally, toxicology tests performed on the pilot's chest cavity blood revealed the presence of THC and its metabolites. However, because the samples were taken from cavity blood, investigators could not determine the timing of use or if the pilot was impaired at the time of the accident.