Accident Summary
A twin-engine airplane stalled and crashed in flames while on final approach to DuPage Airport at night. The accident occurred a few miles short of the runway threshold, and the aircraft was destroyed by a post-crash fire. All seven occupants aboard were killed.
Circumstances
The pilot was descending toward DuPage Airport in poor weather conditions, with low ceiling and fog reported. The approach was conducted at night. During the final approach, the airplane entered a stall and subsequently crashed. At the time of the accident, the control tower was closed, and both the approach lights and runway lights were off, leaving no visual guidance for the pilot.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident, as stated in the official findings, was a stall on approach after the pilot diverted attention from the operation of the aircraft. Contributing factors identified include the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed, improper IFR operation, the presence of low ceiling and fog, pilot fatigue, the absence of approach and runway lighting, and weather conditions below circling minimums.