Accident Overview
An aircraft experienced a loss of control during final approach and crashed inverted short of runway 32 at March AFB. The accident occurred after the crew proceeded with known deficiencies following an earlier landing.
Flight History
After landing at the aircraft's manufacturer facility, the aircraft had an asymmetric fuel condition and an inoperative yaw damper. Despite these deficiencies, the crew elected to continue the flight to their intended destination. During the en route phase, the captain informed air traffic controllers that fuel was coming from only one tank and that he doubted there was sufficient fuel to reach the destination. The controller cleared the aircraft to land at the nearby March AFB.
Accident Sequence
As the aircraft turned onto the final approach for runway 32, it rolled inverted and impacted the ground in an inverted attitude short of the runway. Both pilots were killed in the accident.
Investigation Findings
The investigation identified that the pilot in command decided to conduct the flight with known equipment deficiencies. Specifically, the aircraft had an inoperative autopilot or flight director, an inoperative fuel transfer pump, and the crew operated with known deficiencies in equipment. Induced company pressure to deliver the aircraft to its destination was considered a contributing factor.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the official findings, is: "The pilot decided to conduct his flight with known aircraft deficiencies. Induced company pressure to deliver the aircraft to its destination is considered to have been a factor in the accident."