Event Details
The airplane was operating as an on-demand cargo flight. while executing a non-precision approach, the airplane impacted trees and terrain approximately one mile from the destination airport. The accident occurred at night under instrument meteorological conditions.
Weather and Icing
At the time of the accident, night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed. The airplane was equipped with an "icing protection system." A report from another aircraft that flew the same approach and landed without incident indicated that light rime icing was encountered during the approach.
Flight Path Information
Radar data showed that the accident airplane flew the localizer course inbound and began a descent after passing the final approach fix.
Mechanical Condition
No mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation were noted with the airplane.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the clearance not maintained with terrain during a non precision approach. Contributing factors were the ceiling, visibility, night conditions, and trees.