What happened
A Part 91 business flight departed under weather conditions that were below the approach minimums for the departure airport. Although the destination and alternate airports were also reporting weather below established minimums, the flight crew proceeded with the mission. During the flight, the crew was cleared for an ILS 31 approach. Upon switching to the tower frequency, the crew received visibility reports of 1,800 feet runway visual range.
While executing the approach, the copilot alerted the pilot that the aircraft was not properly aligned with the runway. The pilot initially mistook edge lights for the runway centerline before realizing the misalignment. The aircraft type touched down approximately 2,800 feet down the runway, significantly beyond the normal touchdown point, and drifted off the left side of the pavement. This excursion caused the nose landing gear to collapse. There were 0 fatalities and 2 injuries reported among the crew.
Findings
Investigation into the event highlighted several procedural and environmental factors. The flight was conducted under Part 91 regulations, which lack the more stringent weather requirements found in Part 135 operations. Notably, the departure occurred in visibility that would have prevented a return to the departure airport in the event of an emergency.
Furthermore, the company's internal procedures permitted a "look-see" approach even when weather was below minimums. This specific allowance was identified as a significant factor, as it negated the procedural risk mitigation intended by requiring approaches to be conducted only when weather conditions are above approach minimums.