Accident Overview
The airplane was conducting an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach at night when it lost control and subsequently collided with trees and terrain. The impact occurred approximately 2.1 miles from the approach end of the runway.
Witness Account
A witness reported hearing the airplane at "mid-throttle" as it flew overhead. The witness then heard an increase in engine power followed by the sound of impact. According to the witness, there was no precipitation at the time of the accident. However, the witness described "severe winds, mostly from the south, shifting volatile directly from the east" and stated that visibility was "extremely poor."
Pilot Reports
Statements were obtained from five pilots who landed transport category airplanes around the time of the accident. Three of these pilots reported experiencing a crosswind that varied from 15 to 50 knots during the approach. Four pilots noted airspeed fluctuations ranging between +/-8 knots and +/-10 knots during the approach. Additionally, three pilots indicated they broke out of the clouds at altitudes between 200 and 300 feet above ground level.
Radar Data
Radar data revealed that the airplane was high on the glideslope until it initiated a rapid descent from an altitude of approximately 2,300 feet.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the airframe, engine, and propeller governors did not identify any failures or malfunctions that would have resulted in the loss of control.