Accident Sequence
The aircraft was on a night instrument landing system (ILS) approach for runway 13 when it disappeared from radar at approximately 1 mile final. Radar data indicated the aircraft completed almost a 180-degree turn before vanishing. The aircraft subsequently crashed in a heavily wooded area.
Investigation Findings
Investigators found no evidence of a preexisting failure in the engines or airframe. The pilot's flying history revealed that the hours presented on his resume exceeded those in his logbook, and his logbook hours could not be fully verified. The copilot did not hold an instrument rating.
The pilot who preceded the accident aircraft on the approach reported experiencing moderate turbulence and windshear, and found the approach lights to be very distracting. The accident pilot had received a weather briefing that included windshear and moderate turbulence. All three occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause comprises two occurrences. Occurrence #1: loss of control in flight during approach, attributed to: (1) weather conditions including fog, windshear, and turbulence; (2) inadequate compensation for wind conditions by the pilot in command; (3) improper IFR procedure by the pilot in command; (4) spatial disorientation of the pilot in command; (5) lack of total instrument time by the copilot; (6) inadequate surveillance of operations by company management. Occurrence #2: in-flight collision with terrain, with the object being trees.