Accident Details
During an instrument approach to runway 23 using a non-directional beacon, the pilot encountered instrument meteorological conditions. Radar data later analyzed by investigators showed that the pilot had not maintained a stable airspeed throughout the approach.
Several witnesses near the accident site reported hearing a low-flying aircraft around the time of the crash. The wreckage examination revealed a path of descending contact with tree tops, culminating in a ground impact. Witnesses at the airport stated that fog had obscured the airport facility.
Findings and Probable Cause
The official investigation identified the following contributing factors: the prevailing fog, the pilot's failure to perform certain required actions, overconfidence in personal ability, exceeding the minimum descent altitude, failure to maintain clearance, disregard of the decision height, uncontrolled airspeed, failure to follow instrument flight rules procedures, and poor in-flight planning and decision-making.
Outcome
The accident resulted in fatal injuries to both occupants.