Accident Overview
A general aviation aircraft was destroyed in an accident during a night approach to Niles-Jerry Tyler Airport. The pilot had started the approach in poor weather conditions, with visibility reported as half a mile. On the final leg, the pilot decided to descend below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). The aircraft subsequently struck trees and crashed in flames.
Occupants and Damage
The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire. Both occupants were killed.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions at the time included low ceiling, rain, fog, and thunderstorm activity. Visibility was limited to half a mile. The pilot was operating in known thunderstorm conditions.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be improper IFR operation on the part of the pilot, who took improper in-flight decisions. Factors reported included low ceiling, rain, fog, and thunderstorm activity; visibility limited to half a mile; and descending below the MDA in known thunderstorm conditions.