What happened
During the cruise phase of its flight, a twin-engine airplane experienced a loss of control while at cruising altitude. The aircraft subsequently descended into an open field situated in Alcolu. Upon striking the ground, the airframe underwent disintegration. There was only one person on board, the pilot, who was killed in the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified a critical failure within the electrical system as a primary factor. Specifically, a thermal runaway event occurred in the number two nickel-cadmium battery located within the right wheel well. This failure led to significant overheating and subsequent fires affecting the brakes, the wheel assembly, and the wheel well area. These electrical issues resulted in the failure or misreading of flight instruments. The sequence of events concluded with an uncontrolled descent and a collision with the ground.