Hagerstown

Approximately 3 minutes prior to the accident, the airplane was flying in a northeast direction, at 17,100 feet, and was instructed by air traffic controllers to contact Boston Center. He acknowledged the instruction, and no further transmissions were received from the pilot. Radar data indicated the airplane continued level at 17,100 feet on a northeasterly heading, and maintained a groundspeed of 255 knots, for approximately 2 minutes after the last transmission. The airplane then climbed 300 feet, and descended abruptly, losing 10,700 feet during the next 46 seconds, while maintaining an approximate ground speed of 255 knots. The airplane then initiated a climb from 6,700 feet to 7,600 feet, maintained an altitude of 7,600 feet for 4 seconds, and then entered a continuous descent until the last radar contact 17 seconds later, at an altitude of 2,400 feet. Several witnesses observed the airplane prior to it impacting the ground. All of the witness described the airplane in a "flat spin" with the engines running prior to impact. Examination of recorded weather data revealed several areas of light-to-moderate precipitation echoes in the vicinity of the accident site. The maximum echo tops were depicted ranging from 14,000 to 25,000 feet, with tops near 17,000 feet in the immediate vicinity of the accident site. Recorded radar images depicted the airplane traveling through an area of lower echoes for approximately 5-minutes immediately prior to the accident. AIRMET Zulu was current for icing conditions from the freezing level to 22,000 feet over the route of flight and the accident site. Four PIREPs were also issued indicating light-to-moderate rime to mixed icing in the clouds from the freezing level to 16,000 feet. Cloud tops were reported from 16,000 to 17,000 feet by two aircraft. Examination of the airplane and engines revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies. Additionally, examination of the cockpit overhead switch panel indicated propeller de-ice, engine intake heat, windshield anti-ice, and wing de-ice were all in the 'off' position. According to the pilot's toxicology test results, pseudoephedrine and diphenhydramine was detected in the pilot's urine. Diphenhydramine was not detected in the blood.

En route from Hagerstown to Harrisburg, the crew reported engine problems and was cleared to divert to the nearest airport. He eventually decided to attempt an emergency landing in a field near Bermudian Valley Airpark, PA. Both occupants were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

On the leg from Hagerstown to Pueblo, the crew encountered very bad weather conditions with thunderstorm activity, turbulences and icing. Control was lost and the airplane entered a dive during which elevators and stabilizers detached. The airplane then crashed in the Clark National Forest and was destroyed on impact. All five occupants were killed.

On final approach to Hagerstown-Washington County Airport, the Flying Boxcar was a bit too low and landed few yards short of runway threshold. When it struck the concrete runway, the undercarriage were sheared off. The airplane skidded on the runway, eventually veered off and came to rest in flames. While all 13 crew members evacuated safely, the aircraft was destroyed by fire.

En route, the pilot encountered foggy conditions and due to low visibility, was unable to locate his position. He eventually decided to abandon the aircraft and bailed out. The aircraft crashed and was destroyed and the pilot was unhurt.