Approach and Descent
The airplane approached the destination airport in night instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot received clearance for the localizer approach. Radar and global positioning system (GPS) data indicated that the airplane was established on the localizer course centerline. The airplane crossed the final approach fix 200 feet below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) for that fix. Over the next 1.5 miles, it descended on an approximate 7-degree approach angle at a rate of 945 feet per minute. The airplane continued its descent and struck trees on a ridgeline approximately 400 feet below the intermediate MDA for that segment of the approach.
Witness Accounts
A witness at the crash site observed the airplane through thick fog in a wings-level descent just prior to contact with the trees. She reported that the engine ran smoothly and without interruption. Other witnesses described thick fog along the ridgeline throughout the day prior to the accident, with visibility less than 1/8 mile.
Examination and Records
Examination of the damaged trees, the crash site, and the airplane revealed signatures consistent with engine power at ground contact. Examination of the wreckage disclosed no mechanical anomalies. A post-accident flight check of the localizer approach yielded a result of "Satisfactory." Further examination of air traffic control (ATC) records showed that the pilot's first takeoff on the day of the accident occurred 12 hours prior to the accident.