Flight Details and Weather Briefings
The pilot obtained two weather briefings prior to departure, both of which forecast low ceilings. No specific departure time or location was recorded.
Arrival and Approach
While arriving at the destination, the pilot requested and received clearance for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 5. The approach was conducted under instrument meteorological conditions.
Accident Sequence
During the approach, the aircraft collided with a small tree and subsequently crashed. The wreckage came to rest approximately 690 feet south of the threshold of Runway 5, to the right of the extended runway centerline.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact part failure or malfunction. The aircraft appeared to have been fully operational at the time of impact.
Weather Conditions
At 0145 Eastern Standard Time (EST), the reported weather was: sky partially obscured, 900-foot overcast ceiling, visibility 1-1/4 miles with rain and fog, wind from 160 degrees at 25 knots gusting to 40 knots. According to police reports, the weather remained windy and rainy until 0315 EST.