Accident Details
A twin-engine aircraft crashed during a nighttime approach to Endicott-Tri Cities Airport in poor weather conditions. The crew had begun the descent to the airport under night conditions with fog, rain, and low clouds. During the approach, the aircraft descended too low, struck tree tops, and crashed a few miles short of the runway threshold.
Occupants and Injuries
The crash resulted in three fatalities: both pilots and one passenger were killed. Two other passengers sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was improper IFR operations on the part of the flying crew. The crew was being radar vectored to over Tri-Cities Airport but was not authorized to attempt an instrument approach. Poor weather conditions were considered a contributing factor.