Accident Sequence
Upon arrival, the flight received the current Paducah altimeter setting. The pilot requested vectors for an approach to runway 18, but the ARTCC controller could not accommodate that request. The pilot was then cleared for the VOR/DME-A approach. The minimum descent altitude (MDA) for this approach was 1,080 feet MSL, equivalent to 600 feet AGL.
At 2108 central daylight time, the flight switched to the fixed-base operator (FBO) frequency. FBO personnel observed the aircraft flying over the airport and advised the crew that the aircraft was too low. One of the pilots replied that they would be "staying under the clouds." The pilots had intended to land on runway 36 but reported losing sight of the runway and opted to change to runway 18.
Subsequently, the aircraft collided with a tree located approximately one mile north-northeast of the airport while on a westerly heading. This position was consistent with a base leg in a visual flight rules pattern. After striking the tree, the aircraft came to rest about 700 feet west of the tree. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire. An examination revealed no pre-impact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft.
Weather Information
Weather conditions at Paducah, about 30 miles west, were reported as: 200-foot scattered clouds, 900-foot overcast, visibility 3 miles with rain and fog, wind from 360 degrees at 7 knots. The airport manager estimated a 200-foot ceiling at the airport.
Occupants and Damage
All six occupants of the aircraft were killed in the accident. The aircraft was destroyed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was the failure of the pilot to follow IFR procedures and maintain the minimum descent altitude (MDA). Factors related to the accident were darkness, the adverse weather conditions, and the tree.