Accident Overview
A twin-engine airplane struck trees and crashed in flames during a night approach to Paris Airport in poor weather conditions. The accident resulted in the deaths of all four occupants.
Circumstances
The crew initiated the approach at night under poor weather conditions. During the final approach segment, the aircraft encountered heavy rain showers. The pilot-in-command descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) while the airplane was in heavy rain. Subsequently, the aircraft struck trees and burst into flames.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was improper IFR operation on the part of the pilot-in-command. The following factors were reported: low ceiling, rain and fog, visibility one mile or less, and descent below MDA in heavy rain until impact with trees.