What happened
During a nighttime cargo operation, an aircraft was performing its final approach toward San Francisco International Airport when the flight crew encountered significant difficulties. While transitioning through the base leg of the approach, the pilot reported that the aircraft was experiencing issues with pitch stability. This instability quickly escalated into a total loss of control.
Shortly after these reports, the aircraft impacted the surface of the ocean a few miles from the shoreline. The impact resulted in two fatalities and one injury. While the co-pilot was successfully rescued from the scene, the captain's remains were not located until one week after the accident. Due to the nature of the crash, the wreckage sank into the sea and has not been retrieved.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the aircraft underwent an uncontrolled descent which led to a collision with the water. The primary factor identified was the loss of pitch control during the approach phase, though the specific underlying reason for this mechanical or aerodynamic failure remains undetermined.