What happened
During a descent toward its destination, a Cessna 208B collided with a tree and the terrain at an elevation of 1,500 feet MSL. The accident occurred approximately 14 miles from the intended arrival airport. Prior to the impact, the pilot had informed air traffic control that the destination airport was visible from an altitude of 7,000 feet MSL while positioned more than 30 miles from the field. The aircraft was cleared for a visual approach and was maintaining a wings-level attitude at the time of the collision with the ridge line.
Findings
Investigation of the wreckage revealed no signs of mechanical malfunction or engine failure. At the time of the accident, meteorological data from a station located 5 miles east of the impact site indicated the presence of two distinct cloud layers: a scattered layer at 1,500 feet AGL and a broken layer at 5,000 feet AGL. The impact with terrain occurred while the aircraft was operating under visual flight conditions.