Accident Overview
A twin-engine airplane crashed while at cruising altitude in Alcolu, resulting in the death of the sole pilot. The aircraft disintegrated on impact after losing control and descending uncontrollably into an open field.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was an uncontrolled descent and ground collision following a battery failure in the electrical system during flight. The failure involved the number 2 nickel-cadmium battery located in the right wheel well, which experienced a thermal runaway and fire.
Reported Factors
Several contributing factors were reported in connection with the battery failure:
- Overheating of the battery and related components
- Fire in the brakes, wheel assembly, and wheel well
- Instruments misread or failed to read
- Thermal runaway and fire in the number 2 nickel-cadmium battery
- The pilot lost control for an undetermined reason
Consequences
The aircraft was destroyed upon impact with the ground. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was killed.