Flight and Weather Conditions
The pilot and passengers were returning home on an instrument flight. Upon reaching the destination airport's range, air traffic control cleared the flight for an instrument approach. Shortly thereafter, the pilot canceled the instrument flight plan and informed the controller that the aircraft was below the weather. At the time, the destination airport reported low clouds, reduced visibility, and fog.
Collision Sequence
While maneuvering for a visual approach, the airplane collided with a river bank. A post-crash examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical problems.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's continuation of visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which led to an in-flight collision with a river bank. Contributing factors were reduced visibility and the dark night.