Fatal IFR Approach Accident at Uncontrolled Destination Airport (N2620L)

Flight Operations and Weather Briefing The pilot received two weather briefings before the flight: one on the evening before departure and another at 1009 EST, within three hours of the scheduled takeoff. Instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions were forecast at the uncontrolled destination airport. The pilot filed an IFR flight plan but did not list an alternate airport. ## Departure and Approach The aircraft departed Boca Raton at 1257 EST. The en route portion of the flight was uneventful, and all communications were normal. During arrival, the pilot was cleared for a VOR 3 approach to runway 16. The minimum descent altitude for the approach was 800 feet MSL (595 feet AGL), and the minimum visibility was one mile. ## Witness Accounts and Impact Witnesses at and near the airport saw or heard the aircraft. They described it crossing the airport from the west side to the east, approximately 150 to 200 feet AGL, in and out of the clouds. The aircraft reportedly circled and crossed the airport again before striking an 80-foot tree and impacting the ground in a steep descent. ## Investigation Findings There was no evidence of airframe or powerplant failure or malfunction before impact. The aircraft was estimated to be 46 pounds over the maximum gross weight limit at impact. All eight occupants were killed.