What happened
During a series of landing attempts at an airport, an on-demand air taxi aircraft struck trees and terrain. The accident occurred while the crew was performing their third attempt at an ILS approach. The impact took place roughly two miles past the airport, positioned on the extended centerline of the landing runway.
Prior to the crash, the pilot had executed a missed approach following an initial attempt where the runway and vehicles on the taxiway were visible. A second missed approach was subsequently performed due to reported fluctuations in the instrument course direction indicator. During this second attempt, the pilot requested that airport lighting be increased to high intensity to improve visibility, a request that was confirmed as completed.
Following the passing of the outer marker on the third approach, the pilot had no further recollection of the flight sequence. At the time of the accident, active snow removal operations were being conducted at the airfield.
Findings
- The aircraft struck terrain and trees during the final approach phase.
- Instrument fluctuations on the course direction indicator contributed to a second missed approach.
- Snow removal activities were underway at the airport during the period of the accident.