What happened
During a night approach under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the aircraft was executing an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach. While prior to reaching the Intermediate Approach Fix (IAF), the airplane struck trees located in mountainous terrain.
The minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach prior to the IAF is 10,600 feet. However, at the Outer Marker (OM), the aircraft's altitude was recorded at 7,713 feet. The wreckage was recovered under the localizer path at an elevation of 7,600 feet.
Evidence from the tree tops along the wreckage distribution path showed that the airplane traveled through the trees on a level plane until it made contact with the ground approximately 300 feet into the path. At the time of the accident, light snow was falling and visibility was deteriorating due to fog.