What happened
The flight was approaching Pittsburgh-Allegheny County from the southeast when it encountered adverse meteorological conditions. During the descent phase, while south of Uniontown at an altitude of approximately 3,800 feet, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Chestnut Ridge. The impact site was located roughly 5 kilometers from Fairchance. Of the fifteen people on board, 12 occupants were killed. A stewardess and one passenger sustained serious injuries in the crash.
Findings
Investigations determined that the primary factor was the pilot-in-command's decision to continue flying by visual reference after descending through an overcast layer above hazardous terrain without establishing a precise position. This action violated company protocols and US Department of Commerce regulations regarding instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Additionally, the aircraft experienced crosswind drift, placing it approximately 15 nautical miles south of the intended track at the time of impact, a discrepancy the crew did not detect. No mechanical failures or navigational aid malfunctions were identified as contributing factors. In response to this event, regulatory authorities modified the Pittsburgh radio range by discontinuing simultaneous voice broadcasts, relocating the loop-type beacon to Akron, Ohio, and increasing power at the Buckstown, Pennsylvania station.