Discovery and Location
The wreckage of a stolen aircraft was discovered on June 2, 1984, on a rough lava bed at an elevation of approximately 2,930 feet. The crash site was located about one mile northeast of a road known to have been used by drug smuggling aircraft for landing. Evidence at the scene indicated that cocaine had been removed from the accident site. Additionally, the wreckage had been camouflaged by placing lava rocks on shiny pieces of metal.
Accident Circumstances
Investigation determined that the aircraft had crashed in a left wing low attitude while in a landing configuration. No preimpact mechanical part failure or malfunction was found. The actual time of the accident was not determined. Both occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was an in-flight collision with terrain during an unknown phase of operation. The findings listed were: (1) stolen aircraft/unauthorized use performed by the pilot in command; (2) terrain condition—rough/uneven; and (3) clearance misjudged by the pilot in command.