What happened
During a night cargo operation, the pilot was executing an ILS Runway 6L approach under instrument meteorological conditions. Prior to the accident, the tower provided runway visual range (RVR) information, noting 1,800 feet at the touchdown zone and 1,600 feet during the roll-out. The pilot was also instructed to exit the runway via a right turn following landing.
Radar tracking showed the aircraft at an altitude of 1,200 feet MSL with a ground speed of 130 knots before communications ceased. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and ended up inverted on airport grounds, situated 0.5 miles from the runway at a bearing of 053 degrees. At the time of the event, airport weather observations indicated fog with 1/8 mile visibility and a vertical visibility of only 100 feet. Winds were recorded at 9 knots from 140 degrees.
Findings
An inspection of the aircraft revealed no evidence of mechanical failure prior to the impact. The pilot possessed 3,800 total flight hours, with 350 hours in this specific aircraft type and 250 hours of instrument experience. While the approach minimums required an RVR of 1,800 feet or 1/2 mile visibility, the low visibility caused by fog was a significant factor in the environment during the approach.