The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch has made its final report into the crash of a Challenger 604 at Birmingham International Airport in 2002, in which five people died. The aircraft was being operated by Georgia-based Epps Aviation on behalf of agricultural firm Agco.

The report concluded that ‘frost contamination’ on the wings probably contributed to the accident, causing the Challenger to roll rapidly during takeoff and forcing the aircraft’s left wing tip to strike the ground. All those on board the aircraft, including three pilots, Agco president John Shumejda and vp of sales and marketing Ed Swingle were killed instantly.

The report cited the crew’s failure to ensure that the wings were de-iced prior to takeoff as a potential cause of the accident and concluded that the crew’s judgement may have been impaired by the combined effects of fatigue and jet-lag. The pathologist’s report also stated that both pilots had taken medicine containing the drug diphenhydramine, a sedative anti-histamine used in cough and decongestant remedies. The report stated that diphenhydramine is one of the commonest drugs found in pilots who are killed in aviation accidents and recommended that the FAA reviews its guidance given to flight crew about the dangers of using non-prescription medication.

The AAIB report made a number of other recommendations, including advice that the CAA and aircraft manufacturers should ensure, where appropriate, that aircraft manuals contain the specific information that: “Wings and tail surfaces must be completely clear of snow, ice and frost prior to takeoff.”