What happened
During an enroute phase, the flight crew received multiple updates regarding deteriorating weather conditions at the destination. The reports indicated a low ceiling of 1,000 feet and visibility limited to a maximum of one mile. As the aircraft approached Morgantown, it was flying at an altitude of 2,100 feet within clouds. At this time, the plane struck the western slope of Mt Cheat, which is located seven miles northeast of the city. The impact forces destroyed the airframe, and a subsequent post-crash fire consumed the wreckage. All 20 occupants on board were killed in the accident.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the primary factor leading to the collision was the pilot's decision to continue flying over mountainous terrain under instrument meteorological conditions. Specifically, the aircraft was operating at an altitude lower than the minimum authorized instrument altitude for that route.