Incident Overview
A twin-engine airplane was destroyed after colliding with trees and crashing in flames in a wooded area of the Smoky Mountain Range. The pilot had been cleared to descend at his discretion to 2,500 feet while 34 miles south of Knoxville Airport. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was at an altitude of 3,800 feet.
Occupants and Damage
The aircraft carried five occupants, all of whom were killed. The airplane was destroyed in the impact and subsequent fire.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be a collision with trees during descent due to improper in-flight decisions or planning on the part of the pilot. Contributing factors included the pilot misjudging altitude and unspecified traffic control personnel issues.