Accident
A twin-engine airplane crashed during a night approach to Nashville-Metropolitan Airport after striking power cables and coming down short of the runway. All five occupants on board were killed in the accident.
Investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances of the crash and identified several factors. The aircraft was on final approach when it collided with power cables. The crew had been scheduled for 18 to 20 hours of duty, and fatigue was noted. Additionally, fog was present at the time of the accident.
The autopilot was found in the on position after the crash, and the trim was recorded at 10 degrees nose-down. Inadequate supervision of the flight was reported, along with deficiencies in operational supervisory personnel and company-maintained equipment, services, and regulations.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was determined to be a collision with power cables on final approach after the copilot misjudged distance and altitude. Contributing factors included inadequate supervision of the flight; deficiencies in operational supervisory personnel, company-maintained equipment, services, and regulations; pilot fatigue; fog; a crew scheduled for 18-20 hours of duty; autopilot being on; and a trim setting of 10 degrees nose-down.