Incident Overview
During a final approach to Perryton Airport under poor weather conditions, the pilot of an airplane failed to realize that his altitude was insufficient. The aircraft subsequently struck power cables, lost height, and crashed short of runway 17 threshold. Upon impact, the airplane burst into flames.
Occupants and Injuries
All eight occupants on board escaped the accident with minor injuries. The aircraft itself was damaged beyond repair.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the time was characterized by low ceiling, rain, fog, and visibility of 1/4 mile or less. The pilot reported one mile visibility, but ground witnesses reported visibility of 1/4 mile or less. Conditions were reported to be below minimums for the operation.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was collision with wires/poles on final approach due to improper IFR operation. Contributing factors included low ceiling, rain, fog, visibility 1/4 mile or less, weather conditions below minimums, pilot reporting one mile visibility while ground witnesses reported 1/4 mile or less.