What happened
While conducting a VOR approach for runway 22, the pilot-in-command identified the runway and subsequently transitioned from instrument flight rules to visual flight rules by canceling the IFR flight plan. During the subsequent circling maneuver to align for landing, the aircraft entered a stall and struck the ground.
Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft performed a sharp left bank at an altitude of approximately 250 feet. Following this maneuver, observers noted a wing rock motion, after which the nose and the right wing dipped below the horizon, leading to the impact. At the time of the accident, the area was experiencing instrument meteorological conditions, with a reported ceiling between 400 and 500 feet. Local weather forecasts had previously indicated ceilings of approximately 1,000 feet.
Findings
- The accident resulted in three fatalities.
- The aircraft was operating in low visibility with a ceiling significantly lower than the forecasted 1,000 feet.
- The sequence of events indicates the aircraft stalled during a steep turn at a very low altitude.