Flight and Approach
The pilot-in-command (PIC) was cleared for an area surveillance radar (ASR) approach to the destination airport. The co-pilot was looking outside to obtain a visual reference on the airport. At approximately 900 feet, the aircraft broke out of the clouds. The rate of descent was about 480 feet per minute.
Weather Conditions
The ceiling was overcast, ragged, and very dark with no visible horizon. These conditions were present at the time of the approach.
Descent and Collision
The co-pilot looked back inside the cockpit to check the radios. Shortly thereafter, he heard a thump. The PIC had continued the descent below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). The airplane subsequently collided with the marsh and crashed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause states: "The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain the appropriate altitude (minimum descent altitude) during an area surveillance radar (ASR) approach, resulting in an in-flight collision with swampy terrain. Contributing to the accident was the co-pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout during the ASR approach."