What happened
During an attempt to execute a missed approach, an aircraft struck the intersection of runway 23 and runway 32. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of the plane. Witnesses observing from 2,500 feet reported hearing the engines transition to full power immediately before the impact and seeing an initial flash of light. While a witness noted the pilot was adjusting runway light intensity via the Unicom frequency, no verbal radio transmissions were recorded from the cockpit. The wreckage path extended approximately 210 feet from the initial point of impact, with debris from the left wing, including the aileron and flap, scattered near the runway.
Findings
Investigations into the accident highlighted several operational and environmental factors. The flight was conducting a runway 23 ILS instrument approach in conditions characterized by heavy ground fog. At a location 20 miles north of the airport, weather observations recorded visibility of only 1/4 statute mile and ceilings of 100 feet. Notably, the destination airport lacked authorized weather reporting capabilities, and the operator's specifications did not provide an alternative reporting source, which is a requirement for IFR operations under FAR 135.213.
Additionally, the crew's duty period was impacted by a freight delay that pushed the second leg of the flight back by over 90 minutes. The operator confirmed that the pilot exceeded the 14-hour duty limit by 45 minutes due to this delay. An inspection of the aircraft found no mechanical anomalies or pre-existing defects prior to the crash.