Accident Overview
During a non-precision approach in instrument meteorological conditions at night, the pilot executed a procedure turn. As the airplane performed this turn, its airspeed decreased toward the stall speed before accelerating back to the standard approach speed. Following the final approach fix, the airplane's descent halted for approximately 30 seconds, then resumed at a rate of about 1,300 feet per minute.
Sequence of Events
The airplane decelerated and continued descending until the airspeed reached approximately 85 knots—about 7 knots above the calculated stall speed with flaps at 20 degrees—and the altitude was 500 feet mean sea level. The last recorded data point indicated the airplane at approximately 460 feet mean sea level and 750 feet from the accident site. The airplane subsequently impacted a private residence, resulting in a postcrash fire that destroyed the airplane. Impact signatures were consistent with a low-energy impact.
Examination Findings
Postaccident examination of the airframe and engines revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operations. Signatures on the engines and propellers were consistent with both engines producing power at impact. A review of the pilot's toxicological information found that the level of eszopiclone in the specimens was subtherapeutic and therefore not likely a factor in the accident.
Conclusion
The circumstances of the accident are consistent with an inadvertent aerodynamic stall from which the pilot was unable to recover.