What happened
During the descent toward the intended destination, the pilot in command opted to cancel the existing IFR clearance and refused VFR flight following services. Approximately 25 miles from the arrival airport, the aircraft was seen performing maneuvers at a low altitude. The flight ultimately struck rising terrain at an elevation of 7,300 feet msl.
All seven occupants of the aircraft perished in the accident. Investigations into the flight sequence revealed that the pilot in command had left the cockpit at some point during the flight. Analysis of the cockpit voice recorder indicated that the co-pilot, who lacked prior experience with the Lear aircraft type, summoned the pilot back to the controls roughly 11 minutes before the impact.
Findings
Post-accident toxicological examinations of the pilot and two passengers identified the presence of alcohol and cocaine in their tissue samples. Investigators concluded that the pilot in command was impaired by the simultaneous use of cocaine and alcohol, with evidence suggesting cocaine use likely occurred during the flight itself. No mechanical issues, structural failures, or system malfunctions were identified as contributing to the crash.