Sequence of Events
The pilot was on final approach to Hopewell Airport. Poor visibility prevented him from locating the runway lights. Despite not having the runway in sight, he did not execute a missed approach. The airplane continued to descend until it struck trees and crashed in flames in a wooded area.
Injuries and Damage
All five occupants of the airplane were injured. The airplane was destroyed by a post-crash fire.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident was the result of improper IFR operation on the part of the pilot. The following factors were considered as contributing: low ceiling, obstruction to vision, the pilot did not execute a missed approach when the runway was not in sight, and the visibility was reduced due to smoke from a local factory and fog.