Accident Details
A Beech TC-45J aircraft, modified into a Hamilton Turboliner under Supplemental Type Certificate SA-1821-WE, was destroyed in an accident during arrival. The pilot reported encountering moderate icing at 4,000 feet while on a localizer-only approach to runway 35. An air traffic control specialist observed the aircraft breaking out of clouds near the approach end of the runway. Shortly thereafter, the pilot transmitted that he would enter a left base turn for runway 35 and had the runway in sight.
Loss of Control and Impact
As the pilot initiated the turn, the aircraft entered a steep nose-down attitude. It impacted a railroad yard in a relatively level attitude with the landing gear extended and wing flaps retracted. However, the descent angle at impact was steep, estimated at approximately 30 degrees. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and subsequent ground fire.
Investigation Findings
No preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction was found. The minimum ceiling and visibility for a straight-in approach were 500 feet and one mile; for a circling approach, the minimums were 700 feet and one mile. The official probable cause findings identified multiple factors: the pilot continued flight into known adverse weather conditions including icing, low ceiling, rain, and fog, which were below approach/landing minimums. Additionally, during the circling approach, the pilot initiated a go-around but then maneuvered with inadequate airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall and loss of control. The pilot, the sole occupant, was killed.