Incident Overview
On the day of the accident, the pilot was returning to his home airport after dropping off friends at a different airport. No weather briefing or flight plan had been filed with Flight Service for either flight.
Approach and Wreckage
A witness and radar data showed the accident airplane on a straight-in approach for runway 1, in a landing configuration, at a ground speed of approximately 120 knots. The last radar target was recorded about 1/4 mile from the runway threshold, at an altitude of approximately 150 feet above ground level. The wreckage was later found about 1/2 mile east of the runway threshold.
Weather Conditions
Review of weather information revealed general VFR conditions along the route of flight and at reporting stations near the accident site. However, gusty winds, low-level wind shear, and moderate to severe turbulence prevailed at the time. Additionally, weather radar depicted scattered light snow showers in the vicinity, and possibly a snow squall.
Mechanical and Pilot Factors
Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The pilot had a total flight experience of 14,000 hours, with 8,500 hours in multiengine airplanes, including 2,600 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane. He also had 4,100 hours of instrument flight experience.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was a loss of control during approach for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a collision with trees.