What happened
While arriving at the destination airport, the flight was cleared for the localizer 32 approach. During the procedure, air traffic control notified the pilot that radar services were being terminated and authorized a frequency change, requesting a report once IFR flight was canceled. The pilot acknowledged these instructions.
Radar analysis indicated that the Beech 200 was properly aligned with the runway and following the correct course when the aircraft struck trees and the ground approximately one mile south of runway 32. At the time of the accident, weather observations indicated a ceiling of 200 feet overcast and visibility between 1 and 1.25 miles. These conditions were below the approach plate minimum descent altitude of 325 AGL and the required visibility of 1 mile.
Findings
An inspection of the engines and airframe revealed no mechanical issues or pre-existing discrepancies that would have prevented the aircraft from functioning correctly before the impact. However, investigations into the operator, Southeastern Air Charter, Inc., noted that while the pilot's most recent competency check was performed in a Cessna 210, there was no documentation showing the pilot had completed a flight-check specifically for the Beech 200. This lack of specific training was a significant factor given the operational requirements outlined in the company's FAA Approved Operational Specifications.