What happened
During a Localizer (LOC) approach to runway 17R, an instrument-rated commercial pilot operating a twin-engine airplane encountered instrument meteorological conditions that were below the prescribed approach minimums. The required visibility for the approach was at least one mile, but weather observations taken shortly after the accident reported visibility of 1 3/4 statute miles with mist and an overcast ceiling of 300 feet.
Radar data indicated that the aircraft remained right of the approach course throughout the instrument approach. At approximately 300 feet MSL, the aircraft began a right turn, followed by a left turn and the initiation of a climb. The aircraft reached a heading of 105 degrees, maintaining altitudes between 300 and 800 feet before beginning a descent. Tower personnel observed the aircraft disappear into the clouds, while witnesses later saw the airplane emerging from the clouds at a high rate of descent with the left wing in a near-vertical attitude. One witness estimated the altitude was between 300 and 400 feet above the ground. Another witness reported hearing a low-flying aircraft and observing the twin-engine plane banking left out of the clouds, leveling out, and attempting to climb before being too low.
The aircraft impacted east of runway 17R near the airport boundary on a heading of 345 degrees. There were no fatalities reported in this occurrence.
The investigation
A detailed examination of the wreckage and the engines was conducted, which revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies.