What happened
While conducting a VOR/DME approach to runway 17 at Marco Island Airport, the flight crew initiated a descent toward the minimum descent altitude (MDA). Although the crew had previously discussed altitude parameters for a straight-in approach to runway 17, they subsequently announced an intention to land on runway 35. During this descent, approximately 5 miles from the airport, the aircraft struck a guy wire attached to an antenna located roughly 3.36 nautical miles from the threshold of runway 17. The impact, occurring at an altitude of approximately 587 feet above ground level, severed 8.5 feet from the left wing of the aircraft type/model (not specified in source).
Following the structural failure, the aircraft initially rolled to the left but managed to recover to a wings-level position. However, the plane then experienced a secondary roll to the left accompanied by a nose-down pitch, resulting in a ground impact that produced a fireball observed by witnesses.
Findings
Investigation of the cockpit voice recorder revealed that while the crew discussed approach altitudes, there was no discussion regarding missed approach procedures or circling minimums. The aircraft's instrumentation, including the altimeters and air data computer, had been calibrated eight months prior to the event. A minor discrepancy was noted in the co-pilot's altimeter, which was set 0.01 high relative to the last known setting provided to the crew. No malfunctions were reported regarding the HSI, DME, or altimeters, and no alarms were triggered by monitoring equipment. Notably, the pilot's failure to maintain the MDA for a specific segment of the approach led to the collision with the wire, which was documented on the flight crew's provided approach charts.