What happened
While operating under instrument meteorological conditions, a twin turbofan aircraft was on approach to a private airfield situated at an elevation of 983 feet MSL. The airfield lacked an instrument approach system. During the descent, the pilot notified air traffic control that the airport was visible and subsequently cancelled the existing instrument flight plan.
Shortly after this communication, the aircraft struck a tree located roughly 4,000 feet northeast of the airport. The impact occurred while the plane was in an upright orientation. Following the initial collision with the tree, the aircraft traveled approximately 200 yards before striking the ground in an inverted position. Local reports from residents near the site indicated the presence of heavy fog and drizzle during the event. Meteorological data from a facility 16 miles northeast of the crash site recorded an overcast ceiling at 400 feet AGL and visibility of 4 statute miles in mist.
Findings
Investigation of the wreckage showed no mechanical failures or pre-impact anomalies that would have hindered the operation of the aircraft. Although the pilot had previously filed a flight plan including an alternate airport equipped with a precision instrument approach, the decision was made to proceed toward the primary destination rather than diverting. The transition from instrument flight to visual flight during periods of low visibility was a key element of the sequence of events.