What happened
During the final approach phase of flight, the aircraft collided with a dirt embankment situated approximately 300 feet before the threshold of runway 03. The impact caused the landing gear to be ripped from the airframe, leading the plane to pitch forward and crash. The incident resulted in two injuries to the crew members on board. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
The investigation determined that the primary cause of the accident was the crew's failure to recognize that the aircraft was at an insufficient altitude. Several environmental and mechanical factors contributed to the event:
- Presence of ice on the airframe
- Accumulation of ice on the windshield
- Severe icing conditions, including freezing rain and sleet
- Reduced visibility of two miles or less
- Wind gusts reaching 20 knots
Icing conditions and low visibility significantly hindered the crew's ability to maintain situational awareness regarding their altitude and distance from the terrain.