What happened
During the final approach phase to Jackson Airport, the aircraft encountered severe weather conditions. At an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet, the airframe was struck by lightning. This event compromised the stability of the flight, rendering the pilot unable to maintain control of the machine. The aircraft subsequently descended into a wooded area situated near Oakridge Drive, where it impacted the ground and caught fire.
The crash resulted in significant loss of life. While one passenger survived the incident, 17 other occupants were killed. The crew consisted of fourteen military personnel, including officers and enlisted ranks from various branches, who were on board at the time of the accident. The specific aircraft registration is not provided in the available records.
Findings
The immediate cause of the loss of control was identified as a lightning strike during the approach phase. This external factor disrupted the aircraft's handling characteristics, preventing the pilot from recovering or maintaining a safe flight path. The subsequent impact with terrain in a wooded area led to a post-crash fire, which contributed to the high fatality count among the occupants.