What happened
During a flight conducted under visual flight rules (VFR), the crew encountered deteriorating weather conditions. In an attempt to maintain safety, the pilot contacted air traffic control to request an amendment to their flight plan to operate under instrument flight rules (IFR). While waiting for authorization from controllers, the pilot-in-command lost control of the aircraft.
The plane entered a dive and struck the ground in the Lothian region, situated approximately 14 miles east of Andrews Air Force Base. The impact resulted in 18 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the primary factor was the decision to initiate the flight under VFR when weather conditions were already unsuitable for such rules. The investigation determined that the crew was operating under VFR while encountering IFR-level weather, which ultimately led to the loss of control during the transition period.