Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft departed Nagoya Airport at 0846LT for an aerial photography mission over the Mt Ena and Gifu district. The flight completed several circuits over the area at various altitudes in good weather conditions. While approaching Mt Ena at approximately 2,000 metres, the weather worsened as the mountain became shrouded in clouds.
Sequence of Events
Operating under visual flight rules (VFR), the aircraft entered the clouds, subsequently collided with a tree and crashed in a wooded area. The copilot, who was a mechanic, sustained serious injuries. Both other occupants were killed. The aircraft was destroyed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be controlled flight into terrain after the pilot decided to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).