What happened
During an instrument approach, the pilot received and acknowledged clearance from air traffic control. Radar tracking showed the aircraft maneuvering toward the final approach course, but the plane then executed a 180-degree turn. At an altitude of 11,200 feet, the aircraft disappeared from radar surveillance. Search efforts later identified the wreckage at an elevation of 10,725 feet.
Analysis of the crash site and ground markings indicated that the aircraft type struck the terrain while in a right turn and a nose-down attitude. The collision, followed by a post-impact fire, caused substantial damage to the airframe. At the time of the incident, the area was experiencing overcast skies, snow showers, and limited visibility.
Findings
Investigations into the mechanical state of the engines and de-icing equipment found no evidence of malfunctions or anomalies. However, meteorological data indicated a high likelihood of moderate rime and mixed icing in the area. Specifically, weather advisories such as AIRMETs and SIGMENTs had warned of moderate icing between the freezing level and flight level 220, with potential for severe icing below 16,000 feet. Although the pilot had acknowledged the presence of these adverse weather conditions during the initial weather briefing, the aircraft ultimately impacted the terrain during the approach phase.