Descent Below Minimum Descent Altitude Results in Collision with Marsh (N75CF)

Event

The pilot-in-command (PIC) was conducting an ASR (Airport Surveillance Radar) approach to the destination airport. The co-pilot was looking outside to visually acquire the airport. The crew broke out of the clouds at approximately 900 feet above ground level, with a descent rate of about 480 feet per minute. The cloud ceiling was overcast, ragged, and very dark, with no visible horizon.

Circumstances

While the co-pilot was checking the radios inside the cockpit, a thump was heard. The PIC had continued the descent below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). The airplane subsequently collided with a marsh and crashed.

Investigation

The investigation determined that the PIC continued the descent below the minimum descent altitude, resulting in the collision with the marsh.