Accident Details
At night, the pilot of a twin-engine airplane began an approach to Provo Municipal Airport. Limited visibility prevented the pilot from locating the runway because the runway lights were not illuminated. During the final approach, the airplane crashed into a swamp near the airport. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident. Both occupants of the airplane died.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a controlled collision with ground while circling in the traffic pattern due to inadequate preflight preparation by the pilot. Contributing factors identified in the report include improper instrument flight rules (IFR) operation, the pilot misjudging altitude, rain, the aircraft coming to rest in water, the pilot not activating the runway lights, and the pilot circling east when the runway was not sighted.
Investigation Findings
No other contributing factors were reported. The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, or engine count beyond noting it was a twin-engine airplane. The time of day was night, and weather conditions included rain and limited visibility. No air traffic control involvement was mentioned in the source.