What happened
During a night flight in instrument meteorological conditions, an aircraft crashed approximately 1.5 miles from the end of the departure runway. The investigation revealed that the aircraft struck the ground in a high-speed, nose-down attitude with an 85-degree right bank. There were six fatalities and no survivors.
Prior to the accident, a pre-purchase inspection conducted in October 1990 had identified several mechanical issues, including a malfunctioning autopilot, an inoperative flight director, and a misrigged flight control system. This specific rigging error caused the control wheel to indicate a left turn while the aircraft was actually maintaining level flight. There was no documentation confirming that these discrepancies had been corrected. Additionally, the pitot-static system had not been tested since March 1988.
Findings
Investigators examined the pilot's physical condition, noting the use of acetaminophen and pseudoephedrine to treat a chronic sinus infection. While these substances were present in the pilot's urine, they were not detected in the blood. However, the ongoing sinus condition was considered a factor that could have impaired the pilot's sense of balance and equilibrium during the flight.
No preimpact mechanical failure was identified as a primary cause of the crash, though the existing control system discrepancies and the pilot's physiological state were noted as significant elements of the circumstances surrounding the accident.