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The Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) controller stated that: "(N804LJ) . . . was handed off to me by the Jackson Departure radar controller at approximately (1933). The aircraft at that time was approximately 25 nautical miles east-northeast of the Jackson, Michigan VCR and heading approximately 250 degrees.
"I placed a radar marker on the aircraft target and followed it for about ten miles to the southwest when the aircraft started a sharp turn to the right (i.e. north) (Sic). As the aircraft passed through a northerly heading the beacon target disappeared from the radar. I immediately turned up the normal radar gain but never saw the aircraft on radar again."
Witnesses in the vicinity of the crash site generally described seeing a large ball of fire followed by many burning parts falling in an umbrella or fan—shaped pattern.
The accident occurred during hours of darkness about eight miles east-northeast of Jackson, Michigan, at approximately 42°19’30" N Latitude, 84°17'30" W Longitude. The elevation was approximately 1,050 feet.
1.2 Injuries to Persons
| Injuries | Crew | Passengers | Others |
| Fatal | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Nonfatal | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| None | 0 | 0 |
1.3 Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was destroyed by impact.
1.4 Other Damage
None.
