Accident Details
While on approach to Locust Grove Airport, the pilot of a twin-engine airplane encountered poor weather conditions. The aircraft struck trees and crashed in flames in hilly, wooded terrain approximately six miles from the airport. The airplane was destroyed, and all four occupants were killed.
Investigation
Investigators determined that the accident occurred when the airplane collided with trees on final approach. The pilot's poor judgment was identified as the probable cause. Multiple contributing factors were reported:
- Improper instrument flight rules (IFR) operation
- Inadequate airways facilities
- Low ceiling
- Fog
- High obstructions in the area
- Poorly planned approach
- Visibility of one-quarter mile or less
- Non-directional beacon (NDB) and compass locator for the simplified directional facility (SDF) were inoperative
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was the pilot's poor judgment, resulting in a collision with trees during final approach. The contributing factors listed above were reported as additional circumstances.