Accident Sequence
The airplane attempted two Global Positioning System instrument approaches to the destination airport in snow and fog. During each approach, the airplane descended 200 to 300 feet below the minimum descent altitude of 700 feet. After the second approach, the airplane emerged from the clouds over the south end of the runway at an altitude between 200 and 300 feet above ground level. It then flew the length of the runway at low altitude.
At the north end of the runway, the airplane turned west away from the airport and subsequently circled to the right in a "dramatic" and "nose-high attitude" back towards the runway. The airplane overflew the runway heading south, then turned west away from the airport as engine power increased and the flaps were retracted. The airplane then entered a steep left bank back towards the airport and "nose-dived" out of view. Seconds later, sounds of impact were heard.
Weather and Visibility
Witnesses at the airport reported that the clouds were "on top of the trees" and that visibility was approximately one-half mile due to snow and fog.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical deficiencies. Further examination of the airplane and its records disclosed that the GPS database was expired and that the airplane was above the manufacturer's maximum allowable gross weight.