Accident Overview
On final approach to Springfield-Hartness State Airport, the pilot was operating at night under poor weather conditions. During the approach, the pilot failed to recognize that the airplane's altitude was too low, causing the aircraft to strike the ground and crash. The impact destroyed the airplane, and all four individuals on board were killed.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the accident was a controlled flight into terrain. The pilot did not maintain adequate altitude during the final approach segment. Weather conditions at the time included low ceiling, rain, fog, and zero visibility. The approach was conducted in below-minimums weather conditions, and the published missed approach procedures were not followed.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official probable cause was a controlled collision with ground on final approach due to improper IFR operation. Contributing factors reported were: low ceiling, rain, fog, visibility down to zero, below-minimums weather conditions, and failure to follow published missed approach procedures.