What happened
The incident occurred during a descent phase at an altitude of approximately 2,500 feet. At the time, weather conditions were adverse, limiting visibility and situational awareness. The aircraft collided with the slope of a mountain situated in the vicinity of Galax. This impact resulted in significant casualties among those on board.
18 occupants were killed, while one passenger sustained serious injuries. The crash occurred after the pilot initiated a let-down maneuver without having confirmed the exact location of the aircraft relative to the terrain.
Findings
Investigation into the event identified specific errors in navigation and decision-making as primary contributors. The pilot made erroneous navigational judgments on at least two separate occasions, leading to a false belief that the aircraft was positioned farther south than it actually was. This misperception of position prevented accurate terrain avoidance.
The official determination concluded that the accident was caused by the pilot's action in attempting a let-down without positively determining the aircraft's position. The lack of confirmed location data, combined with the navigational errors, directly led to the collision with the mountain slope.