What happened
A cargo mission transporting 12,000 pounds of supplies for the US Army was underway from Norfolk NAS to Oklahoma City when the flight encountered deteriorating weather. The mission originally included a scheduled stop at Knoxville; however, due to worsening meteorological conditions, the crew diverted the aircraft to Chattanooga.
During the approach to the runway in Chattanooga, the aircraft operated under a ceiling of only 900 feet. While attempting the landing, the plane descended to an inadequate altitude and struck a line of trees. The impact caused the loss of the left wing, leading the aircraft to crash approximately 2,660 feet before reaching the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and left both crew members with serious injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was the decision by the flight crew to proceed with the approach while flying below the established glide path without maintaining visual contact with the terrain.