Accident Overview
An aircraft collided with trees during the final approach to runway 24. The aircraft was destroyed, and all eight occupants sustained injuries, three of which were serious. Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction of the aircraft.
Weather Conditions
The reported weather at the crash site included an indefinite ceiling of 100 feet with sky obscured. Runway visual range (RVR) was 2,400 feet. According to the report, the aircraft should have encountered a decreasing headwind and probably moderate turbulence on the final descent.
Approach and Collision
The accident occurred during the approach phase, specifically during the segment from the initial approach fix to the final approach fix (IAF to FAF) and then from the FAF to the threshold. The aircraft entered instrument meteorological conditions with low visibility and low cloud ceiling.
Injuries and Damage
The impact with trees destroyed the aircraft. All eight occupants were injured, with three classified as serious. No further details on the nature of injuries were provided.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation identified multiple findings related to the pilot and the weather encounter. The pilot was found to have descended below the minimum descent altitude, exhibited anxiety or apprehension, failed to correct the descent, and did not perform a missed approach. The probable cause includes two occurrences: an in-flight encounter with weather, and an in-flight collision with terrain/water.
Probable Cause (Official Findings)
Occurrence #1: In-flight encounter with weather during approach (IAF to FAF/outer marker under IFR). Occurrence #2: In-flight collision with terrain/water during approach (FAF/outer marker to threshold under IFR). Findings: 1. (c) Minimum descent altitude – below – pilot in command. 2. (f) Anxiety/apprehension – pilot in command. 3. (c) Descent – not corrected – pilot in command. 4. (f) Missed approach – not performed – pilot in command.