At 1845 Eastern time, the airplane collided with terrain following a loss of control and was destroyed. The airline transport pilot suffered fatal injuries. Visual conditions prevailed; an IFR flight plan was filed. The airplane was level at FL240 when the pilot was given a clearance to 17,000 feet. The pilot acknowledged the clearance but the airplane was lost from radar shortly thereafter. Witnesses reported hearing loud engine noises prior to seeing the airplane spinning until it descended below their line of sight.
