What happened
During an attempt to execute a VOR-B instrument approach to the Butte, Montana airport, an aircraft crashed into the ground. The flight crew had previously reported being inbound toward the airport after passing the Coppertown VORTAC. The specific approach procedure involved a 124° course for the procedure turn, with a final inbound course to the airfield of 0MA94°.
At the time of the accident, meteorological conditions included snow and a low ceiling. Winds were recorded at 340° at 9 knots. The wreckage was located on the 124° radial, approximately 5 miles southwest of the airport. The aircraft was occupied by the pilot, who was the sole occupant on board, and the impact resulted in one fatality.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing factors related to the flight's execution. The primary cause was an in-flight encounter with weather, specifically involving snow and low cloud ceilings.
Additional findings noted that the pilot failed to follow established IFR procedures and maintained an improper altitude during the approach phase. The terrain in the area, characterized by hilly and mountainous features, contributed to the collision. Furthermore, the investigation highlighted issues regarding in-flight planning decisions and challenges with visual perception by the pilot in command.