What happened
During a localizer approach to runway 15, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous loss of power in both engines while the pilot was attempting to execute a missed approach. This loss of thrust caused the airspeed to drop from 105 knots to 80 knots. In an effort to prevent a stall, the pilot lowered the aircraft's nose.
As the aircraft descended through the clouds, it emerged over the middle of the runway. The aircraft subsequently landed long on the runway, overran the paved surface, and collided with a tower structure and terrain. A witness observed the aircraft banking from right to left to align with runway 5, noting that the landing gear was extended and the flaps appeared to be retracted. The witness also noted that the engines sounded as though they were at idle despite high RPM, and the aircraft was seen approximately 50 feet above the ground near the midfield point before disappearing behind a hangar.
At the time of the incident, weather conditions included a 100-foot overcast ceiling and 0.5 mile visibility due to fog and rain. These conditions were below the published approach minimums of a 400-foot ceiling and 0.75 mile visibility. Radar data confirmed that the flight descended below the minimum descent altitude while maintaining a constant airspeed.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of power in both engines during the transition to a missed approach.
- The flight descended below the required minimum descent altitude.
- The aircraft's landing distance exceeded the available runway length, leading to the impact with an obstacle.