Accident Overview
An airplane struck trees and terrain during a non-precision instrument approach to land. The accident occurred in instrument meteorological conditions, with variable ceilings below the published minimums. The closest weather reporting station, located 27 nautical miles southwest of the airport, reported these conditions.
Pilot and Passenger Statements
According to the pilot, he was engrossed in maintaining airspeed at the time of the accident. The passenger reported that the pilot was too busy looking for the runway. The pilot further stated that the accident could have been avoided if he had landed at his alternate airport.
Weather Conditions
Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the approach. The ceilings were variable and below the minimums required for the approach, based on reports from a weather station 27 nautical miles southwest of the airport.