What happened
During an instrument approach toward the Decatur-Crystal Lake Airport, the pilot elected to cancel the existing IFR flight plan. The flight was transitioned to VFR operations; however, the aircraft subsequently encountered significantly reduced visibility caused by fog. While attempting a go-around maneuver, the twin engine airplane made contact with power cables, leading to a crash and subsequent fire.
There were two fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft during the accident.
Findings
The investigation determined that the primary cause was the collision with wires and poles while performing a go-around after the pilot proceeded under VFR conditions into weather that did not meet required minimums. Several environmental and technical factors contributed to the event, including:
- Presence of fog and fog on the runway surface
- High obstructions in the flight path
- Weather conditions falling below established minimums
- Inoperative VASI (Visual Approach Slope Indicator)
- Runway lights were active at the time of the incident