Accident Overview
A cargo air taxi flight ended in a fatal crash when the aircraft struck a mountainside approximately 7 nautical miles from the destination airport. The accident occurred while the pilot was conducting a VOR/DME instrument approach. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.
Weather and Pilot Condition
On the day of the accident, variable low ceilings and reduced visibility were reported. The pilot had been suffering from influenza for the preceding two weeks and was still taking medication for the illness.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's premature descent during the instrument approach. Contributing factors included the pilot's fatigue and the poor weather conditions.