What happened
During a non-precision instrument approach into La Crosse Airport, an aircraft struck treetops and crashed approximately 4,000 feet before reaching the threshold of runway 13. The incident occurred under challenging meteorological conditions characterized by fog, light drizzle, and low visibility of only half a mile, with an indefinite ceiling and 500-foot obscuration.
The impact forces resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft, though no fire was reported following the crash. All six occupants sustained serious injuries during the event.
Findings
Investigations determined that the crew failed to monitor the aircraft's altitude effectively while flying in instrument flight conditions. The primary factor in the accident was that the pilot allowed the plane to descend below the minimum descent altitude, leading to a collision with trees prior to reaching the runway.