What happened
During an instrument approach to a non-towered airport, a commercial pilot with 2,212 hours of flight time initiated a left-hand circling maneuver to land. The airport offered two approach options for Runway 14, specifically VOR and RNAV(GPS) procedures. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were below the published minimums for these approaches, with visibility reported at 3/4 of a mile in mist and an overcast ceiling of only 300 feet.
Radar tracking indicated that after completing the approach to Runway 14 at approximately 2,800 feet MSL, the aircraft began a descent while performing the circling turn. The final radar contact recorded the aircraft at 2,600 feet MSL traveling at a groundspeed of 186 knots. Witnesses observed the aircraft circling the airfield before descending directly into the ground. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire that damaged portions of the airframe. There were 1 fatality involving the pilot.
Findings
An investigation of the wreckage showed no mechanical failures or structural anomalies in the aircraft's systems or airframe. Flight control continuity was confirmed at the crash site. Examination of the engines revealed no mechanical issues, and both propellers were found to be rotating and operating under power at the moment of impact, with no evidence of feathering. The pilot attempted a circling maneuver in weather conditions that did not meet the required visibility and ceiling minimums. Additionally, the pilot's logbooks were unavailable, preventing a definitive assessment of his instrument currency at the time of the flight.