What happened
During an instrument approach to runway 14 using either GPS or NDB navigation, the aircraft was directed to report a procedure turn. Radar monitoring by Air Traffic Control indicated that the plane's altitude was recorded at 200 feet prior to the loss of contact. An eyewitness reported seeing the aircraft strike trees and the ground, after which the wreckage ignited.
At the time of the accident, the local weather conditions included low cloud cover. The established minimums for the approach in this area are 800 feet and one mile visibility. No reports of mechanical issues were made by the crew, and a subsequent investigation of the wreckage revealed no technical malfunctions.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in weather conditions with low clouds.
- The altitude of the aircraft was observed at 200 feet, which was below the required weather minimums of 800 feet.