Accident Sequence
The aircraft was cleared for the Mena NDB approach and instructed to maintain 5,000 feet above mean sea level (msl) until established on the approach. After passing the NDB, the aircraft descended to 4,800 feet msl while tracking a ground track between 040° and 030°. It then turned to a ground track of 116°. Twelve seconds later, the aircraft turned to a ground track of 350°, during which its ground speed decreased to 93 knots. The aircraft subsequently descended to 4,600 feet msl while ground speed increased to 140 knots. The pilot reported, "we've broken below - will cancel in just a moment." Radar contact was lost as the aircraft descended to 3,000 feet msl on a heading of 304°.
Wreckage and Location
The wreckage was located 6 miles northwest of the airport at an elevation of 2,000 feet msl. The outbound approach heading was 080° with procedure turn headings of 125° and 305°. Reported winds aloft at 5,000 feet, 4,000 feet, and 3,000 feet msl were from 191° at 34 knots, 169° at 30 knots, and 151° at 32 knots, respectively. Both occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of the accident was the pilot in command's failure to compensate for wind conditions, failure to attain the minimum descent altitude, and failure to follow the IFR procedure. Contributing factors were the mountainous terrain, low ceiling, and trees.