on the first open field. The densely wooded area over which he was flying ended a few hundred yards beyond the point of impact after which it may have been possible to crash land the aircraft. The fact that the right landing light was on indicates that the pilot may have been looking for a suitable landing area. at the time of impact.
Examination of the wreckage indicates that the right elevator caught fire immediately prior to the final crash. It is also apparent that all of the passengers, the Flight Attendant and the First Officer were crowded into the companionway. These factors would have rendered longitudinal control very difficult and probably made the collision with the first of the trees unavoidable.
Investigation of the wreckage, review of the history of the flight and analysis of records of fire in flight available to the Board failed to disclose the source of the fire. The extent of fire following impact was such that a considerable portion of the sings-aft structure, accessories and baggage Was consumed on the ground complicating the subsequent inspection of the wreckage. It was determined, however, that once started, the fire spread to such an extent that the several combustible materials contained on board the aircraft such as toilet and lunch accessories, baggage and mail became ignited and contributed to the severity of the fire. It is apparent that the structural sheet aluminum between compartments was eventually burned through and further complications involving additional air flow A the ignition of other combustible materials were subsequently encountered. The severity of the fire, therefore, can to a large measure be attributed to the presence of a considerable amount of materials of relatively high combustibility on board the aircraft although the exact origin of the fire was not determined.
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