Summary of Events
The flight was approaching a private airport (elevation 983 feet MSL) that lacked an instrument approach system. The pilot informed the air traffic controller that he had the airport in sight and cancelled his instrument flight plan. The twin turbofan airplane subsequently impacted a tree approximately 4,000 feet northeast of the airport in an upright position. The airplane then impacted the ground in an inverted position roughly 200 yards from the initial tree strike.
Weather Conditions
The weather observation facility located 16 miles northeast of the accident site reported an overcast ceiling at 400 feet AGL and visibility of 4 statute miles in mist. That facility’s elevation was 541 feet MSL. Local residents in the vicinity of the accident site stated that there was heavy fog and drizzle at the time of the accident.
Aircraft and Route Planning
Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of pre-impact anomalies that would have prevented operation of the airplane. The pilot had filed an alternate airport equipped with a precision instrument approach; however, he elected not to divert to that alternate.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's inadequate in-flight decision to continue a visual approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the fog, drizzle, and low ceilings.