Accident Sequence
The aircraft departed on a sales demonstration flight with potential buyers on board, initially destined for Monterey, California. During the flight, the destination was changed to Avalon, California. The crew received wind information from the Unicom frequency while on the downwind leg. Witnesses observed the aircraft approaching slightly high on final approach, but reported that the pilot corrected the descent angle. The aircraft made touchdown approximately 500 feet beyond the runway threshold. The runway surface was crowned, sloping upward for the first 2,000 feet before leveling off. At the point of touchdown, the crew could not see the far end of the runway. The thrust reversers were deployed about 1,000 feet after touchdown. Witnesses heard the engines' sound increase, then decrease, then increase again as the aircraft continued beyond the runway, went off the end, and descended over a 90-foot bluff. A fire erupted immediately. Airport personnel arrived with firefighting equipment within three minutes, but they had not received firefighter training and did not attempt to extinguish the fire out of fear of an explosion.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction. The left flap was found extended, the left spoiler was retracted and locked, and tire marks were present on the runway. The aircraft's estimated gross weight at the time was 11,500 pounds. The computed landing distance over a 50-foot obstacle was 3,100 feet. The aircraft was destroyed and all six occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause findings include two occurrences. The first occurrence was an overrun during the landing roll, with factors including undetermined reason, improper pilot action, self-induced pressure, pressure induced by others, runway uphill condition, and rough/uneven runway condition. The second occurrence was an on-ground/water encounter with terrain during landing, with factors including mountainous/hilly terrain, downhill terrain, and inadequate airport fire/rescue service.