Introduction
The aircraft crashed into a lake shortly after being vectored onto the final approach course for an instrument landing system (ILS) at an altitude of 1,500 feet. Two pilots, both current under instrument flight rules, were on board.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather conditions included an overcast ceiling of 500 feet, visibility of 10 miles, and no reported convective activity or turbulence in the area.
Investigation Findings
Investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction. All navigation facilities were ground and flight checked and determined to be operating normally. No abnormal trim settings were observed, and the autopilot was in standby mode at the moment of impact.
Environmental Factors
The approach course was situated in a published and active migratory bird flyway. Local ornithologists stated that large flocks of birds were known to be airborne at the time of the accident.