What happened
The aircraft was operating under an instrument flight rules flight plan when it impacted trees and terrain during a non-precision approach. The accident occurred at night under instrument meteorological conditions. Approximately 90 minutes prior to the event, the pilot received a weather briefing indicating expected overcast skies between 300 and 600 feet above ground level along the route, with a destination ceiling of 400 feet AGL.
At the time the aircraft was cleared for the approach, sky conditions at the destination remained unchanged. The approach minimums for an aircraft equipped with DME capability were 410 feet above touchdown elevation. The pilot did not file an alternate airport, which is required by Federal Aviation Regulations when the ceiling is below 2,000 feet AGL.
The investigation
Radar track data indicated that the approach profile was consistent with a controlled flight. The wreckage path through the trees suggested the aircraft maintained a level flight attitude along the inbound approach course. At the time of impact, the aircraft was configured for an initial approach with the landing gear extended and flaps at 15 degrees. No mechanical anomalies were found that would have prevented normal operation.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's medical status. The pilot held a Special Issuance Medical Certificate due to a cardiac history, which required reporting any adverse changes in medical condition or medications. While the pilot had reportedly experienced palpitations for 20-minute intervals over the preceding two months and felt tired within a week of the accident, there was no evidence that medical treatment was sought for these symptoms. The investigation could not determine if the pilot's physical condition contributed to the accident.