Flight History
Earlier in the day, the pilot departed Charleston, South Carolina, en route to Raleigh, where he discussed pending legislation with an association. He departed Raleigh at approximately 2228 Eastern Standard Time in weather conditions described as indefinite ceiling 100 feet and one-half mile visibility. The destination airport's forecast called for occasional ceilings of 200 feet overcast and one-quarter mile visibility in fog.
Weather Conditions
As the flight approached Asheville, the pilot requested a pilot report (PIREP) from Atlanta Center. The center relayed the latest weather at Asheville as 500 feet scattered, measured 1100 feet overcast, visibility one mile in light drizzle and fog. The pilot was subsequently cleared for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 34. The existing weather at the airport at the time was reported as 400 feet overcast with two miles visibility.
Accident Sequence
During the approach, the aircraft collided with trees approximately one mile north of the airport while on a heading of 014 degrees. The pilot had not activated the approach lights for Runway 34.