What happened
During an instrument flight approach to its destination, an aircraft was executing an ILS approach when it encountered significant convective activity. While maneuvering to intercept the final approach course, air traffic controllers observed via radar that the plane was positioned between a quarter and a half mile east of the localizer. Although the pilot indicated they were on the correct course, the aircraft subsequently struck trees approximately one and a half miles northeast of the airport and half a mile east of the intended path.
At the time of the accident, weather reports confirmed level four thunderstorm activity in the immediate area of the destination airport. The flight crew had been receiving updated weather information from controllers during the final minutes of the flight, meaning the presence of thunderstorms was known. The impact resulted in four fatalities.
Findings
Investigations into the wreckage showed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunctions within the aircraft itself. Additionally, subsequent functional inspections of the ILS equipment by airways facilities determined that the approach system was operating correctly. The investigation concluded that the primary factor was the pilot's failure to properly assess weather conditions while flying through thunderstorm activity.