Accident Sequence
During an instrument landing system (ILS) approach, the airplane collided with the tops of trees located near the middle marker. Witnesses reported hearing the aircraft strike the trees, followed by a distinctive "whop, whop, whop" sound as it continued flying. Other witnesses observed the airplane following a curved, descending flight path until it impacted the ground.
Visibility Conditions
Visibility at the airport was reported as one-half mile at the time of the accident.
Post-Impact Examination
An on-scene examination revealed no anomalies in the airframe or engine that would have prevented normal flight. A section of the right propeller and other pieces of the airframe were found along the approach path after the initial impact with the trees. The trees along the flight path were estimated to be between 30 and 60 feet in height. The tops of the taller trees were either broken or exhibited fresh cut marks on their limbs.
Pilot Toxicology
The pilot's blood alcohol level was measured at 216 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or milligrams per hectogram (mg/hg).