Incident Overview
A twin-engine airplane, while on approach to Baltimore-Martin State Airport, encountered poor weather conditions with visibility reduced to 1/4 mile due to a low ceiling and fog. During the final approach segment, the aircraft struck power cables. The crew responded by increasing engine power and initiating a go-around before diverting to Baltimore-Washington-Thurgood Marshall International Airport.
Diversion and Loss of Control
On approach to the alternate airport, the airplane was trailing approximately 1,500 feet of wire from the earlier cable strike. The aircraft subsequently went out of control and crashed in flames a few hundred yards from the runway threshold.
Casualties
One passenger suffered serious injuries, while three other occupants were killed in the crash.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a collision with wires on final approach and a subsequent uncontrolled collision with the ground due to improper IFR operation. Contributing factors included foreign material affecting normal operations, low ceiling, fog, and visibility of about 1/4 mile or less.