What happened
During a scheduled night cargo delivery flight from Phoenix to Flagstaff, Arizona, the pilot of the aircraft transitioned from IFR to VFR flight rules prior to reaching the destination. While operating under visual flight rules, the aircraft encountered deteriorating weather conditions, specifically decreasing visibility due to low clouds and widespread rain.
As the pilot attempted an approach to the airport, the aircraft struck trees and crashed in an unpopulated region located approximately 2.5 miles south-southeast of the airfield. The impact occurred at an elevation of roughly 6,800 feet, which was below the airport's elevation of 7,011 feet. At the moment of the initial impact, the aircraft was in a 20-degree right bank toward runway 03. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was killed in the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the accident highlighted that the weather information available at the company dispatch office was not up to date. Consequently, the dispatch data failed to reflect the actual adverse weather conditions present near the destination airport at the time of the flight. The pilot had also only partially extended the wing flaps during the approach phase when the collision with the trees occurred.