Flight Path
The airplane joined the inbound course for the GPS instrument approach between the intermediate approach fix and the final approach fix. It maintained an altitude approximately 200 feet below the sector minimum altitude. The last radar return placed the airplane about 3/4 nautical mile beyond the final approach fix and approximately 1,000 feet left of the course centerline.
Impact
An initial tree strike was found about 1 nautical mile before the missed approach point, approximately 700 feet left of the course centerline. The elevation at the tree strike was about 480 feet below the minimum descent altitude. The airplane subsequently impacted hilly terrain.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported seeing the airplane flying at a "very low altitude" just prior to impact. They described the sound of the airplane's engines as "really loud" and "a constant roar."
Conditions
Night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed at the time of the accident.
Mechanical Status
There was no evidence of mechanical malfunction.