What happened
The flight originated from Little Rock, Arkansas, departing at approximately 23:56 CST. During the flight, weather reports from the destination airport's AWOS-3 indicated visibility had dropped to 1/4 statute mile, which was below the required 3/4 mile minimum for the ILT approach to runway 05. While the aircraft was cleared for the approach and instructed to change frequencies, radar tracking showed the plane descending from 2,400 feet MSL to 900 feet MSL on a northeasterly heading. Shortly after 01:42:11, the aircraft's position was recorded extremely close to the runway threshold before it impacted a wooded area located roughly 0.37 nautical miles from the approach end of runway 05.
Upon inspection of the wreckage, investigators found that all components required for flight remained attached or near the main site. There was no evidence of a post-crash fire, though a heavy scent of fuel was present. Analysis of the impact site showed the aircraft struck a pine tree with a left bank of approximately 24 degrees and a descent angle of 22 degrees. No mechanical failures were identified in the engine, propeller, flight controls, or autopilot systems. Additionally, the flap system was found to be functional without pre-impact malfunction.
Findings
- The visibility at the destination airport was reported as 1/4 statute mile, failing to meet the authorized IFR landing minimums.
- An investigation into the aircraft's attitude indicator revealed it had been recently replaced, but the installation lacked the necessary operational checks required for service.
- The pilot initiated an instrument approach despite weather conditions being below regulatory minimums.