Accident Details
N6857E was transporting executives from Holland, Michigan, to Muskegon. The pilot was executing an ASR (Airport Surveillance Radar) approach to runway 06. The minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach was 537 feet above ground level (agl). During the descent, the copilot called out altitudes of 1,200 feet and then below 1,000 feet, but the pilot continued the approach. The aircraft struck trees at an altitude of 15 feet agl, approximately two miles from the runway threshold.
Approach and Weather
The approach was conducted in heavy fog conditions. The pilot had previously descended below approach minimums on several occasions, as noted in the investigation. The weather conditions included low ceilings and fog, which reduced visibility and made visual lookout impossible for the copilot.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause identified multiple factors: the pilot's poor in-flight planning and decision-making, overconfidence in personal ability, improper use of IFR procedures, self-induced pressure, failure to maintain the minimum descent altitude, exceeding the decision height, and not performing remedial actions. Contributing conditions included the low ceiling, fog, and the copilot's inability to maintain visual lookout. The collision object was trees.