What happened
Prior to departure, the pilot received a weather briefing that lacked specific data for the intended destination. Instead, the pilot was provided with meteorological information from an airport located approximately 10 miles to the north, which indicated prevailing fog and low visibility. The flight was initiated earlier than originally scheduled because the company's business manager feared that worsening weather conditions might prevent the aircraft from landing at the destination.
During the approach phase, a power failure occurred, resulting in the loss of lighting around the destination airport. While attempting the approach to runway 1 and runway 5, the aircraft type struck power lines and a support tower. The impact occurred roughly 0.5 miles southwest of the airport. At the time of the accident, the nearest recorded weather station reported a ceiling of 100 feet and visibility of 0.5 miles due to fog. Local witnesses further noted that visibility at the airport itself was extremely poor, measuring below 0.25 miles.
Findings
- The pilot was operating with weather information from a secondary location rather than the destination airport.
- A power failure caused the loss of airport lighting during the approach.
- The airport's single NDB approach was not authorized for nighttime operations.
- Heavy fog significantly reduced visibility to levels below 0.25 miles near the airfield.