What happened
While operating under instrument meteorological conditions on an IFR flight plan, the pilot of a twin-engine aircraft experienced a mechanical issue when the right-side nose baggage door opened. The pilot notified air traffic control that items from the baggage compartment were escaping and potentially striking the right propeller. In response to this emergency, the pilot requested a diversion to the closest airport capable of supporting an instrument approach.
Upon being cleared for a non-precision instrument approach to a coastal airport located near mountains, the pilot was authorized to descend to a lower altitude once established. However, radar data indicated that the flight did not follow the prescribed approach procedure. Instead, the pilot shortened the approach and executed a turn in the incorrect direction, moving toward higher terrain north of the established approach course.
The wreckage of the twin-engine aircraft was located in a mountainous region at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet MSL, roughly 1.5 miles north of the intended approach path. The aircraft's descent path began with a shallow impact through treetops before striking larger trees.
Findings
Post-accident investigations revealed that the fatal crash was caused by the pilot's deviation from the published approach course toward higher terrain. While the baggage door had opened during the flight, inspections of the aircraft showed no mechanical failures or issues other than the door, which remained attached to the airframe at the time of the accident.