Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-26A near Manchester: 2 killed

Date & Time: Aug 28, 1978 at 1317 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N765MA
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Manchester - Windsor Locks
MSN:
372
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
15679
Captain / Total hours on type:
50.00
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Manchester Airport, while climbing, the crew reported compass problem when the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in Bedford, about four miles west of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent and subsequent crash after the crew diverted attention from operation of aircraft. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Flight and navigation instruments: other,
- Low ceiling,
- Visibility 4 miles or less.
Final Report: