Accident Overview
An aircraft conducting a VOR approach to runway 05 crashed in an open field approximately 2.3 miles southwest of the airport. The incident occurred when the aircraft was 3 miles from the airport at minimums, and ground contact had not been established.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that she chose to execute a missed approach. However, before she added power, the copilot raised the flaps. The pilot then perceived a sinking sensation and responded by increasing power. The aircraft subsequently struck terrain.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot was killed, and the two other occupants sustained serious injuries.
Official Findings
The probable cause, as determined by the investigation, includes the following factors:
- Weather conditions: fog and below-approach/landing minimums.
- Poor in-flight planning and decision-making by the pilot in command.
- Inadequate crew coordination.
- Improper raising of flaps during the missed approach procedure.
- Inadequate remedial action by the pilot in command.
- Self-induced pressure on the pilot in command.
The accident sequence occurred during the approach phase, specifically from the final approach fix (FAF)/outer marker to the threshold under instrument flight rules (IFR).