What happened
On February 1, 2008, a Raytheon Aircraft Company C90A, registration N57WR, crashed into terrain near Mount Airy/Surry County Airport (MWK) in North Carolina. The flight, which departed from Cedartown, Georgia, was operating under instrument flight rules in weather characterized by rain, fog, and low ceilings.
During the GPS approach to runway 36, the pilot descended below the authorized minimum descent altitude (MDA). The cockpit voice recorder captured the pilot and a pilot-rated passenger discussing the approach, with the pilot noting that they would likely need to circle to land. As the aircraft attempted to maneuver, the pilot failed to execute the published missed approach procedure.
Radar data showed the aircraft tracking inbound at 2,000 feet before reappearing on a left base leg at 2,300 feet. During the maneuver, the aircraft's ground speed decreased by approximately 75 knots. The enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) issued "sink rate" and "pull up" alerts. Shortly before impact, the aircraft's stall warning horn sounded multiple times. The aircraft struck the ground in a nose-down attitude, resulting in 6 fatal injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found no evidence of mechanical failure, structural failure, or in-flight fire. The landing gear was extended, and the engines and propellers were functional at the time of impact.
Analysis of the cockpit voice recorder revealed unprofessional behavior by the pilot prior to the approach, including singing and making comments to passengers about the need to pray. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's medical history, noting the presence of sertraline, a prescription antidepressant, in his system. While the pilot had a history of anxiety, depression, and diabetes, these conditions and his use of medication were not disclosed on recent FAA medical applications.
Additionally, investigators found that four of the six occupants were unrestrained at the time of the crash.