What happened
During an approach under instrument meteorological conditions, an aircraft collided with trees and the ground. The flight was operating under a non-precision instrument approach profile, which required a minimum descent altitude of 1,460 feet between an intermediate intersection and the missed approach point. While the destination airport sits at an elevation of 745 feet, the impact occurred at an elevation of 880 feet.
Eyewitnesses observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude in level flight with its landing gear extended. One observer noted the plane was flying at the base of the cloud layer. The aircraft was seen performing a maneuver where it pulled upward and then rolled before ultimately striking the terrain.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in instrument meteorological conditions.
- The impact occurred at an elevation higher than the destination airport's elevation.
- The aircraft struck trees and terrain while following a non-precision instrument approach profile.