What happened
The pilot initiated an instrument landing system approach to runway 2L during arrival. Weather conditions at the time included ceilings ranging from 700 feet scattered to broken, with overcast layers between 1,300 and 1,500 feet. Visibility was reduced to between one and one-and-a-half miles due to light snow and fog.
Approximately three minutes after contacting inbound approach control, the pilot executed a missed approach. Air traffic control cleared the aircraft back to the outer marker and instructed the pilot to maintain 7,000 feet before switching to departure control frequency. After changing frequencies, the pilot received clearance for another ILS approach and acknowledged the instruction.
Shortly after this clearance, the aircraft crashed approximately one-and-a-half miles northwest of runway 21. There were no known witnesses to the impact. Tower personnel reported seeing the aircraft briefly during the missed approach phase, noting nothing unusual regarding its flight attitude or location at that time.
The investigation
Examination of the crash site revealed the aircraft had impacted snow-covered terrain while maintaining a northwesterly heading. The wreckage distribution indicated a near wings-level attitude during a steep descent. Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction or failure.