Incident Overview
The pilot of a twin-engine airplane operating under an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan in instrument meteorological conditions encountered a situation when the right-side nose baggage door opened during flight. The pilot communicated concerns to air traffic control regarding the possibility of baggage exiting the compartment and striking the right propeller. A diversion to the nearest airport with an instrument approach was requested and subsequently authorized.
Diversion and Approach
The flight was cleared for a non-precision instrument approach to a coastal airport situated adjacent to mountainous terrain. After being established on the approach, the pilot was authorized to descend to a lower altitude. However, analysis of radar track data revealed that the pilot did not execute the published approach as specified. Instead, the pilot abbreviated the procedure and turned in the wrong direction—toward higher terrain located north of the intended approach course.
Accident Site and Wreckage
The airplane was located in mountainous terrain at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet mean sea level (msl), about 1.5 miles north of the approach course. The crash path initially showed a shallow angle through treetops before the airplane struck larger trees. A post-accident inspection of the airplane disclosed no preimpact mechanical issues other than the baggage door, which remained attached to the aircraft.
Probable Cause
Per the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to follow IFR procedures by not adhering to the published approach procedures, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing factors included a low ceiling and the pressure induced by the open baggage door.