Overview
A pilot and copilot were conducting a 15-day trip that included stops at all state capitals in the contiguous United States. The accident occurred on the next-to-last leg of the journey. The pilot was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) when he contacted approach control and requested landing instructions. He was advised that instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) existed at the destination airport. Subsequently, he obtained vectors for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 23.
Sequence of Events
After acknowledging the clearance to land, no further transmissions were received from the aircraft. A witness who lived near the flight path to Runway 23 reported hearing the aircraft and seeing it for approximately two seconds when it appeared in a break in the clouds. Shortly thereafter, the witness heard the aircraft hit trees and crash about one mile from the approach end of the airport at an elevation of approximately 1,018 feet.
Wreckage and Investigation
The wreckage was scattered over a 600-foot area. According to the witness, the aircraft was very low before the crash, but the engine sounded normal. An investigation revealed no preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft. The decision height for the approach was 1,181 feet.
Conclusion
The accident investigation did not identify any mechanical or structural issues with the aircraft. The circumstances surrounding the loss of control and subsequent collision with terrain remain as described in the official report.