Approach and Impact
During a GPS runway 5 approach to Hot Springs Memorial Airport in instrument meteorological conditions, the twin-engine airplane impacted mountainous terrain at 1,020 feet msl. The impact occurred about one nautical mile right of the final approach course and approximately 9 nautical miles southwest of the airport. According to the approach plate, the airplane should have been at an altitude no lower than 2,300 feet on this segment of the approach. The last radar hit recorded was at 1622:44, as the airplane was descending through 2,800 feet, 14.2 nautical miles southwest of the airport. The missed approach procedure for the approach calls for a climbing right turn to 3,000 feet. Examination of the accident site indicated the airplane impacted trees while in a right turn.
Witness Reports
Two witnesses located near the accident site reported that about 1630 they heard a small aircraft coming from southwest of their farm, heading towards them at a 'very low' altitude. They heard the aircraft for about 10 seconds, then the sound of the engines was 'gone.' The witnesses also reported that the weather was 'extremely foggy,' and that they could not see the top of the mountain located behind their property.
Aircraft Examination
No anomalies were found with the airframe or engines that would have prevented normal operation.