What happened
During an instrument meteorological conditions approach, a twin-engine aircraft experienced a loss of control while attempting an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 3. Radar tracking indicated that the aircraft struggled to maintain its course, remaining left of the localizer for much of the approach. While the pilot initially attempted to correct the deviation by turning toward the course line, the aircraft continued to drift. As the plane approached the runway threshold, it was approximately 1.3 miles left of the centerline. Air traffic controllers issued instructions to turn to a heading of 270 degrees and later ordered an immediate left turn to avoid an inbound aircraft, but the plane disappeared from radar coverage shortly thereafter.
Eyewitness accounts described the aircraft flying at a very low altitude, between 100 and 200 feet, through overcast clouds. One observer noted the plane banking left before pitching up at a steep angle of 45 to 90 degrees. The aircraft ultimately struck trees and the side of a 60-foot-tall apartment complex. The crash occurred roughly 3.7 miles short of the runway approach end.
Findings
At the time of the accident, weather conditions included light drizzle, mist, and an overcast ceiling of 400 feet. Post-accident inspections of the twin-engine aircraft found no evidence of mechanical failure prior to the impact. The flight was being conducted by a commercial pilot with 8,700 hours of experience.