What happened
While operating under a special visual-flight-rules clearance, a scheduled commuter flight was performing a descent toward its destination airport. Approximately 10 miles north of the arrival field, the aircraft was descending through instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot reported that the descent began over a landscape characterized by featureless, downward-sloping, snow-covered terrain. During this phase of flight, the pilot encountered whiteout and flat light conditions. A brief, localized snow shower further obscured the pilot's view, making it impossible to identify any landmarks or terrain features. Consequently, the aircraft struck the ground in an area of ice and snow, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.
At the time of the impact, the destination airport was experiencing light snow and mist, with visibility measured at 1.5 statute miles. Weather reports indicated broken cloud layers at 900 and 1,600 feet, with an overcast ceiling at 3,200 feet. The temperature and dew point were both 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The pilot noted that no mechanical issues had occurred prior to the impact.
Findings
- The pilot's ability to identify terrain was severely compromised by whiteout conditions and a localized snow shower.
- The flight was being conducted under special visual-flight-rules rather than instrument-flight-rules.