What happened
While operating near Scottsdale, the pilot initially diverted toward Sedona due to the presence of thunderstorms and high winds. Following a radio exchange with the Scottsdale tower, the decision was made to return to Scottsdale for landing. During this communication, the pilot failed to correctly read back weather information provided by the tower.
As the aircraft descended through rain and turbulence, the pilot reported seeing the airport at 1857. The tower cleared the aircraft for a visual approach to runway 21; however, controllers were unable to maintain radio contact or establish visual sight of the plane. Radar tracking indicated the aircraft was descending at 2200 feet, located two miles from Scottsdale on a bearing of 075 degrees.
During the final moments of the flight, the pilot reported that the left wing and nose were low while in a landing configuration, heading approximately 300 degrees. The impact resulted in the aircraft sliding roughly 770 feet, during which time the engines, wings, and landing gear were torn from the airframe. A post-accident inspection of the wreckage revealed no mechanical issues that would have prevented normal operations prior to the crash.
Findings
Investigation into the accident identified several contributing factors related to the pilot's management of the flight environment. Key findings include:
- An inaccurate evaluation of weather conditions by the pilot in command.
- The misinterpretation of wind information by the pilot.
- Continued flight into known adverse weather, specifically thunderstorms, rain, and turbulence.
- Failure to maintain proper altitude during the approach phase.
- Inadequate visual detection of terrain or obstacles during a dark night operation.