What happened
The aircraft was operating under conditions that led to the accumulation of ice on its exterior surfaces. The pilot reported experiencing fatigue resulting from the duration of the flight. A passenger observed the ice buildup, estimating it to be between one and two inches thick.
During the base-to-final turn of the approach, the airplane banked to approximately 30 degrees. Following this maneuver, the rate of descent increased significantly. The pilot was unable to arrest the excessive descent rate before the aircraft made contact with the ground. The airplane landed hard short of the runway and subsequently struck the approach lights before coming to a rest.
The investigation
The investigation relied on statements from the pilot and a passenger regarding the flight conditions and the physical state of the aircraft. No mechanical failure was identified as the primary factor; rather, the focus was on the environmental conditions and crew status.