Mountainous Terrain Impact During LOC/DME Approach (N303CA)

Accident Overview and Configuration Details The aircraft impacted mountainous terrain approximately 10.5 dme from the airport while executing a LOC/DME instrument approach. At the time of the impact, the airplane was configured for landing. The elevator trim jackscrew was found at approximately 18° nose up. The altitude preselect, coupled to the Sperry autopilot system, was set at 9,500 feet, which corresponded to the minimum descent altitude until reaching the final approach fix located at 9.3 dme. ## Toxicology and Drug Findings Twenty-four prescription and nonprescription drugs were found aboard the airplane. The pilot's toxicology report disclosed 0.206 ug/ml (ug/g) chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine, in his liver fluid. According to an FAA flight surgeon, this concentration would equate to approximately 0.034 ug/ml in blood, which falls within the therapeutic dosage range of 0.01 to 0.04 ug/ml. Chlorpheniramine is contraindicated for flying due to its capability of producing drowsiness. The drug is an ingredient found in Comtrex, one of the drugs discovered aboard the airplane. ## Casualties All six occupants of the airplane were killed in the accident.