Accident Overview
While approaching Victoria Regional Airport in Texas, a pilot encountered poor weather conditions including low clouds and fog. During the final approach, the pilot descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). The twin-engine airplane subsequently struck trees and crashed. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
Circumstances
The final approach was conducted in low visibility. The pilot's descent below MDA occurred despite the presence of obstacles. The aircraft collided with trees before impacting the ground. All five occupants on board sustained injuries, with two suffering serious injuries. No other injuries were reported.
Weather Conditions
The weather at the time included low ceilings and fog. Forecast conditions were slightly better than those actually encountered. The pilot was not provided with updated weather information by Flight Service Station (FSS) personnel.
Maintenance and Instrument Issues
Investigation revealed inadequate maintenance and inspection of the aircraft. Specifically, the altimeter was found to be reading 130 to 140 feet too high, which may have contributed to the pilot's misjudgment of altitude. Additionally, improper clearance and tolerance issues were noted in the flight and navigation instruments.
Injuries and Damage
All five occupants were injured, two of them seriously. The aircraft was destroyed. No fatalities occurred.