Incident Overview
While cruising at altitude and approaching Indianapolis from the east, the pilot of a twin-engine airplane encountered severe weather conditions. The pilot informed air traffic control about severe turbulence moments before control was lost. The aircraft subsequently entered a spin and crashed into a field located in Arlington.
Damage and Casualties
The airplane was totally destroyed in the impact. All nine occupants on board were killed, among them seven employees of the United States Auto Club.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be an uncontrolled descent and subsequent uncontrolled collision with the ground after the pilot continued flight into known areas of severe turbulence. Contributing factors reported included turbulence associated with clouds and thunderstorms, as well as thunderstorm activity.