What happened
During the final approach phase of flight, a multi-engine turboprop aircraft experienced a sudden leftward veer followed by a rapid descent. According to eyewitness accounts, the sound of the engines was audible prior to the aircraft striking the ground approximately half a mile south of the runway threshold.
In the period leading up to the accident, the aircraft had been undergoing maintenance to address vibrations detected in the rudder system while the autopilot was active. While a recent test flight showed no issues with the autopilot, a mechanic had identified irregularities with the rate gyro and suggested a replacement. However, the aircraft was operated on the fatal flight without this specific repair being finalized.
Findings
Investigation of the autopilot annunciator panel suggested that the autopilot system was likely disengaged during the approach, as the aircraft was on a short final approach. Consequently, any existing faults within the autopilot system were unlikely to have influenced the aircraft's flight path.
Technical inspections confirmed that the engines, propellers, and primary flight controls remained functional and showed no failures that would have hindered manual control of the aircraft. Although toxicological analysis of the pilot's blood showed the presence of Zolpidem, the concentration was not expected to cause impairment. The investigation focused on the sudden deviation from the flight path during the landing sequence.