What happened
During an approach to runway 21 using VOR navigation, the pilot reported passing the outbound leg of the procedure turn and subsequently crossing the VORTAC, which served as the final approach fix. Observers noted the aircraft emerging from an overcast layer at a high speed and altitude. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft was seen entering a sharp left bank, completing a 9-degree turn before disappearing into a localized snow shower northeast of the airfield. While some witnesses reported no unusual engine sounds, others observed the aircraft at a very low altitude near power lines, noting a significant 270-degree turn had been completed.
As the aircraft progressed, witnesses observed the wings wobbling and the nose dipping. The left wing then dropped, causing the aircraft to descend toward the ground in an almost vertical trajectory. Nearby, members of a local sheriff's posse reported hearing an aircraft passing at a low altitude, with one individual noting a change in engine pitch, though heavy snowfall prevented them from seeing the aircraft or hearing the impact.
Findings
Post-accident inspections of the aircraft revealed no mechanical anomalies. At the time of the incident, weather conditions at the destination were characterized by low visibility of 1/2 statute mile due to snow, with an overcast ceiling at 3,200 feet and broken clouds as low as 900 feet. The temperature was 32 degrees F with a dew point of 32 degrees F, and winds were recorded at 290 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots.