What happened
Approximately twenty minutes after departing from Washington DC-Hoover Airport, the aircraft was cruising at an altitude of roughly 4,000 feet during poor weather conditions. The plane suddenly went out of control and dove into the ground near Lovettsville. This impact resulted in the deaths of all 25 people on board, including crew members and passengers such as Senator Ernest Lundeen.
Findings
The Civil Aeronautics Board determined that the accident was caused by a severe lightning discharge occurring in the immediate vicinity of the airplane. This event disabled the pilots, leading to a total loss of control over the aircraft.