What happened
During the descent toward its destination, the twin-turbojet aircraft was cleared to descend from FL 390 to 10,000 feet. The crew initiated a descent rate of 4,000 feet per minute. While passing through FL 219, air traffic control instructed the pilot to contact approach control. The pilot responded with an incorrect frequency and an unintelligible word. Despite attempts by the controller to rectify the communication error, no further contact was established with the crew.
During a brief silence in the final transmission, a 1680 Hz tone was detected for 0.1 seconds. This frequency corresponds to either the overspeed or cabin altitude warning systems, both of which were destroyed in the crash. Radar tracking showed the aircraft climbing to FL 231 before entering a steep, rapid descent. During this phase, the aircraft exceeded its maximum operating airspeed of 300 knots calibrated. Shortly before hitting the ground, the right wing and portions of the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator detached from the airframe, landing roughly 200 to 250 feet from the primary impact site. The crash resulted in fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
Findings
Investigations revealed no mechanical issues with the engines or the airframe that would have caused the loss of control. While the aircraft exceeded its rated maximum operating speed, manufacturer data suggests the model is capable of flying at speeds up to 400 knots without losing control. The cockpit voice recorder was present on the aircraft but failed to capture the flight sequence.