What happened
During a liaison mission conducted for the US Navy, a twin-engine aircraft was performing a flight originating from China Lake. The flight was transporting two pilots and seven US Navy personnel. As the aircraft was on its final approach under favorable weather conditions, it impacted the terrain approximately 800 meters before reaching runway 22. Following the initial impact, the aircraft maintained a relatively flat orientation as it slid for roughly 200 meters before coming to a complete stop.
Findings
- The crash resulted in two fatalities involving the crew members.
- All seven passengers sustained serious injuries during the accident.
- The impact occurred while the aircraft was in the final approach phase of flight.