What happened
The incident occurred at night under instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions while the aircraft was conducting an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 4. During this phase of the operation, the airplane deviated from the intended flight path and impacted trees followed by the ground. The impact site was located approximately one-quarter mile west of the approach end of the runway.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed no pre-impact anomalies in the engines, propellers, airframe, or accessories. Investigators measured the angle from the initial impact crater through the broken limbs as 45 degrees, providing insight into the descent trajectory prior to the final collision with the terrain.
Findings
The primary finding was the uncontrolled descent and subsequent impact with trees and ground during a precision approach procedure. The absence of mechanical failures in critical systems suggests that the event was likely related to flight control or situational awareness rather than equipment malfunction.