Weather Information and Flight
The aircraft, registration N87163, crashed after encountering adverse weather conditions. Prior to takeoff, the pilot received numerous weather briefings and updates, including two pilot reports of windshear from aircraft on approach into Appleton. Shortly after departure, the radar controller transmitted Convective SIGMET 1E on the same frequency used for N87163. This SIGMET indicated embedded thunderstorms. Approximately ten minutes later, while being vectored for the approach to Appleton, the pilot was given heading deviations due to weather.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft crashed approximately half a mile from the approach end of the runway. A witness residing between the outer marker and middle marker for the ILS approach reported a "huge downpour" with "very strong winds" at the time of the accident.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that all power controls for both engines were in the full forward position. Additionally, the left and right main landing gear mounting trunnions were displaced upward into the wing fuel tanks.
Pilot and Occupants
The pilot was the sole occupant on board and was killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the pilot's decision to continue flight into known adverse weather conditions resulting in a windshear encounter with insufficient altitude for recovery. The existing adverse weather conditions were factors.