Accident Details
While cruising in poor weather conditions, a twin-engine airplane lost control and entered a dive. During the uncontrolled descent, the aircraft disintegrated in the air and eventually crashed in a field, resulting in the deaths of all three occupants. The weather at the time of the accident was poor, and the crew lost their orientation shortly before losing control of the airplane.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a mismanagement of fuel by the flying crew, which led to the failure of both engines in flight. Subsequently, due to spatial disorientation, the crew lost control of the airplane. The aircraft entered a dive and disintegrated in the air because the stresses exceeded the designed stress limits of the aircraft. Poor weather conditions were considered a contributing factor.
Sequence of Events
The flight was conducted in poor weather conditions. The crew mismanaged the fuel supply, resulting in the failure of both engines. Shortly thereafter, the crew became spatially disoriented and lost control of the airplane. The aircraft entered a dive and, during the uncontrolled descent, exceeded its structural limits, causing it to disintegrate in flight. The wreckage then crashed into a field.
Investigation Findings
The investigation focused on the fuel management by the crew, which was identified as the root cause of the dual engine failure. Spatial disorientation was noted as the immediate cause of loss of control. The poor weather conditions were listed as a contributing factor, affecting the crew's ability to maintain orientation and control.