What happened
The accident occurred while the aircraft was conducting its second instrument landing system (ILS) approach to the intended airport. During this phase of flight, the airplane descended below the established glideslope and impacted the terrain approximately 2,500 feet short of the designated landing runway.
Following the crash, investigators conducted a functional check of the approach lighting system at the site. This post-accident inspection failed to reveal any anomalies or malfunctions within the lighting infrastructure itself.
The investigation
The pilot provided an indication that a failure in the approach lighting system contributed to the accident. However, the subsequent technical examination of the airport's lighting equipment did not support this claim, as no defects were detected during testing.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the event was the descent below the safe glideslope path during the final approach segment. The discrepancy between the pilot's perception of the lighting environment and the actual operational status of the airport infrastructure played a significant role in the loss of situational awareness.