Flight Sequence
The accident flight began in cruise at an altitude of 16,000 feet. The pilot contacted air traffic control (ATC) and requested clearance to execute a 360-degree turn to the left, which was granted. Shortly after, the pilot requested a 360-degree turn to the right. Following these maneuvers, the pilot asked for radar vectors to the nearest airport, and ATC provided the vectors. When queried by ATC about an emergency, the pilot reported an asymmetric fuel condition. The pilot then requested a lower altitude and was cleared to 4,000 feet. Approximately one minute later, the pilot transmitted "Mayday" six times, after which radar and radio contact with the flight was lost.
Radar Data
Recorded radar data indicated that at 1803:13, the accident airplane was proceeding on a southerly heading at 16,100 feet mean sea level (MSL). At 1803:53, the airplane turned left to a southeasterly heading. At 1804:13, it turned right, returning to its original southerly heading. At 1805:14, the airplane turned right onto a southwesterly heading and maintained that heading until 1809:04. At that time, the airplane turned due west at an altitude of 15,400 feet. The last radar contact occurred at 1810:06 at an altitude of 13,800 feet. The wreckage was located due north of the final radar position.
Wreckage and Examination
Witnesses observed the airplane descending in a near-vertical attitude, impact with the ground, and subsequent explosion. At the crash site, components from all areas of the aircraft structure and flight control surfaces were found, along with components from both engines and propellers. The impact and post-crash fire damage precluded examination of the airplane's fuel system and components.