What happened
During an instrument approach under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at Spokane-Intl Airport, the aircraft struck terrain. The impact occurred on a hill situated approximately 4.5 miles from the runway threshold at an elevation of 2,546 feet.
The flight procedure in use required the crew to maintain an altitude of 3,500 feet until passing the final approach fix. This fix was located roughly 1,800 feet southeast of the Spokane VORTAC. The aircraft struck the ground near this specific location. Of the nine people on board, there were seven fatalities and two serious injuries.
The minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach being conducted was 2,760 feet; however, the impact occurred below this required altitude.