Incident Overview
A 2,212-hour instrument-rated commercial pilot collided with terrain while circling to land after completing an instrument approach to an uncontrolled, non-towered airport. The airport featured two instrument approaches to Runway 14: a VOR approach and an RNAV (GPS) approach. Published minimums for a circling approach to Runway 32 were a 500-foot ceiling and one mile visibility for the VOR approach, and a 700-foot ceiling and one mile visibility for the RNAV (GPS) approach.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather at the airport was reported as 300 feet overcast, visibility three-quarters of a mile in mist, with winds from 020 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 14 knots. These conditions were below the published approach minimums for the circling approach.
Witness and Radar Data
Two witnesses reported observing the airplane circle over the airport before descending straight to the ground. Radar data indicated that after completing the instrument approach to Runway 14 at approximately 2,800 feet mean sea level (msl), the airplane initiated a left circling turn with a slight descent. The last radar hit placed the airplane at 2,600 feet msl with a groundspeed of 186 knots.
Wreckage Examination
A post-impact fire consumed parts of the airframe. A detailed examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies with the airframe, structure, or systems. Flight control continuity was established at the accident site. Both engines were examined, and no mechanical anomalies were found—neither engine pre-impact failure nor malfunction was identified.
Propeller Examination
The propellers were shipped to the manufacturer for examination and teardown. Both propellers were rotating at the time of ground impact. Neither propeller was found in the feathered position. Blade damage was consistent with both propellers operating under power at the time of impact. No mechanical defects were noted with either propeller.
Pilot Information
The pilot was reported to be very familiar with the airport and its two instrument approaches. The pilot's logbooks were not located during the investigation; therefore, his instrument experience and currency could not be determined.