What happened
While operating at approximately 400 feet above ground level, the pilot reported that both engines had experienced a flameout. Shortly after this report, roughly 7 to 14 seconds later, the aircraft type struck a ridgeline located approximately 1.5 miles from the runway. There were no survivors recorded in this accident.
Findings
Post-accident inspections of the aircraft showed no prior mechanical anomalies. However, the investigation identified that the continuous ignition switches were set to the OFF position. This was significant because the aircraft's flight manual mandates that continuous ignition must be set to ON during approach and landing when flying through actual or potential icing conditions. The flight route was subject to forecast light to moderate rime or mixed icing.
Furthermore, the operator had not implemented a 1995 Service Bulletin that recommended installing an auto-ignition system to mitigate engine flameout risks in icing environments. While an Airworthiness Directive regarding this system was issued by the FAA on May 5, 2000, the aircraft lacked this specific safety enhancement.
Additionally, toxicology results revealed extremely high concentrations of dihydrocodeine in the pilot's blood. Although the pilot had previously received a special issuance medical certificate following a self-disclosed history of substance abuse, the specific testing protocols used during his prior medical oversight were unable to detect the substances present at the time of the crash.