What happened
Approach control provided the flight with weather information for the general area at the time the approach was initiated. The reported conditions consisted of a ceiling at 300 feet with overcast skies and visibility limited to two miles in fog. The flight was cleared to execute the VOR runway 13 approach procedure.
During the execution of this approach, the aircraft impacted trees. The collision occurred at an altitude of approximately 65 feet above ground level. The impact site was located in an area roughly four miles northwest of the approach end of runway 13. The minimum descent altitude for this specific approach was established at 560 feet. The airport elevation was recorded at 10 feet.
Findings
The flight operated into weather conditions significantly below visual meteorological requirements. The aircraft descended to an altitude of 65 feet AGL, which was substantially lower than the published minimum descent altitude of 560 feet for the VOR runway 13 approach. The presence of fog and low ceiling contributed to the loss of visual reference necessary to avoid terrain obstacles during the final segment of the approach.
Safety message
Pilots must strictly adhere to published minimum descent altitudes when operating in instrument meteorological conditions. Descending below these altitudes without established visual reference to the runway environment creates a high risk of controlled flight into terrain, particularly in areas with significant elevation changes or obstacles near the airport.