What happened
While conducting an ILS approach to runway 24 with instructions to circle toward runway 06, the aircraft departed from its established approach path. During the maneuver, the plane was seen at a low altitude performing a left downwind leg for runway 06 while transitioning through cloud cover. As the aircraft progressed to the base leg, it executed a left turn, at which point the left wing struck the ground.
Following the impact, personnel from the local Air National Guard arrived at the scene shortly after the accident. These observers noted the presence of ice accumulation across the aircraft's surfaces, specifically noting that the left and right wings and the empennage were covered in a layer of ice approximately 1/8 inch thick. At the time of the accident, local weather conditions were characterized by visibility of less than one mile, accompanied by sleet and freezing rain. The accident resulted in two fatalities.
Findings
Post-accident inspections of the aircraft revealed no signs of mechanical failure. However, the presence of ice accumulation on the wings and empennage was documented by responding pilots. Witnesses also noted that the engine appeared to be operating at full RPM prior to the wing-to-ground contact.