What happened
Prior to departure, the pilot obtained several weather updates, which contained two reports of windshear from other aircraft approaching Appleton. During the flight of N87163, a convective SIGMET was issued by the radar controller, indicating the presence of embedded thunderstorms in the area. Approximately ten minutes after takeoff, while the pilot was being vectored toward the approach into Appleton, instructions were provided to deviate from the original heading to avoid weather cells.
During the approach, the aircraft crashed roughly half a mile from the runway's approach end. A local resident near the ILS approach path described experiencing intense rainfall and heavy winds during the period of the accident. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was killed in the crash.
Findings
An examination of the wreckage showed that the power controls for both engines were set to the full forward position at the time of impact. Additionally, investigators found that the mounting trunnions for both the left and right main landing gear had been displaced upward into the wing fuel tanks. The presence of severe convective weather and windshear was a significant factor in the circumstances surrounding the flight.