Accident Overview
An airline transport pilot was conducting a non-precision instrument approach in a multiengine airplane. The pilot had been cleared for the VOR approach to the airport, where weather conditions were reported as 400 ft overcast with 4 miles visibility in drizzle.
Sequence of Events
Radar data showed that air traffic control provided vectors to intercept the final approach course. The last radar return indicated the airplane at 2,200 ft and 8.1 miles from the runway threshold. The wreckage was located 3.5 miles from the runway threshold and left of the final approach course. The airplane had impacted the tops of trees and descended at a 45° angle to the ground.
Aircraft and Systems Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the landing gear was extended and approach flaps had been set. The airplane was destroyed by a post-crash fire, which limited examination of the flight and navigation instruments. However, no anomalies were observed that would have precluded normal operation. Impact and fire damage precluded detailed inspection of the instruments.
Approach Procedures
According to the published approach procedure, the minimum descent altitude (MDA) was 1,100 ft, which was 466 ft above airport elevation. The location of the wreckage indicated that the pilot descended below the MDA during the approach.
Investigative Findings
Autopsy and toxicology of the pilot were not performed; therefore, whether a physiological issue may have contributed to the accident could not be determined. Based on available information, the reason for the pilot's descent below MDA could not be identified.