Accident Details
On approach to Tewksbury-Tew Mac Airport, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with limited visibility. While inbound from a local VOR, the pilot was expected to follow a 224° heading to reach the airfield but instead followed a 244° heading. The aircraft, a twin-engine airplane, struck a radio tower and crashed, bursting into flames. Both occupants were killed.
Weather Conditions
The weather at the time included low ceiling, rain, and fog. Visibility was 3/4 mile or less, and conditions were reported to be below minimums for the approach.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a collision with an electronic tower on final approach due to improper IFR operation on the part of the pilot-in-command. The following contributing factors were reported: inadequate preflight preparation, low ceiling, rain, fog, visibility 3/4 mile or less, weather conditions below minimums, and wrong approach heading.