Accident Overview
While on approach to Amarillo Airport in marginal weather conditions, the pilot failed to realize that his altitude was insufficient. The airplane subsequently struck wires and crashed in flames in a field. One passenger was killed, and five other occupants sustained injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a collision with wires during traffic pattern-circling after the pilot diverted attention from the operation of the aircraft.
Contributing Factors
The investigation identified several contributing factors: misjudged altitude, snow-covered terrain, low ceiling, snow, and visibility of 3 miles or less.