What happened
While arriving at the airport, the flight was operating under the local altimeter setting for Paducah. The pilot initially sought vectors for an approach to runway 18, but because the controller could not provide the requested assistance, the crew was cleared for a VOR/DME-a approach. This procedure had a minimum descent altitude of 1,080 feet MSL.
As the aircraft transitioned to the FBO frequency, ground personnel noticed the plane flying at an dangerously low altitude over the airfield. In response to warnings from the FBO, one of the pilots indicated they intended to remain below the cloud layer. Although the crew had originally intended to land on runway 36, they reported losing visual contact with that runway and decided to divert their approach to runway 18.
During this maneuver, while flying on a westerly heading near the base leg of a VFR pattern, the aircraft type struck a tree approximately one mile north-northeast of the airport. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the plane, which came to rest roughly 700 feet from the tree. There were no mechanical failures or part malfunctions identified prior to the collision. At the time of the accident, local weather included rain, fog, and a ceiling as low as 200 feet.
Findings
All six fatalities occurred during the crash. The investigation concluded that the primary factor was the pilot's failure to adhere to IFR procedures and maintain the required minimum descent altitude. Additional contributing elements included the presence of a tree, darkness, and poor weather conditions.