What happened
During a mission conducted for the US Department of Agriculture, an aircraft was performing a specialized operation involving the dispersal of sterile screw worms. While operating at an altitude of 5,500 feet, the plane encountered marginal weather conditions characterized by restricted visibility. During this flight phase, the aircraft impacted a mountain, which led to the total destruction of the airframe.
There were five fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft, as all crew members on board perished in the accident.
Findings
- The flight was operating under limited visibility and difficult weather conditions at the time of impact.
- The mission involved the distribution of biological agents as part of a government-sanctioned program.