Flight History
The aircraft was used to transport passengers from Longview, Texas, to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and back to Longview. After returning, it was refueled for a flight to Nacogdoches, Texas, where it was based.
Accident Sequence
About 12 minutes after takeoff, the pilot was cleared for an NDB approach to Nacogdoches and instructed to contact the Lufkin Flight Service Station for weather and current altimeter setting. During the approach, the aircraft collided with trees, crashed, and burned. Initial impact occurred with trees approximately 700 yards east of the NDB site, where the trees were cut in an upsloping manner as the terrain rose. The crash site elevation was 530 feet mean sea level (msl), and the minimum descent altitude (MDA) was 900 feet msl.
Weather Conditions
At 1955 central daylight time, weather at Lufkin, about 28 miles north, included a broken ceiling at 3,500 feet and 5 miles visibility. However, witnesses at Nacogdoches reported considerably lower ceilings, reduced visibility, and some hilltops obscured by clouds. A pilot witness reported light rain and fog in the treetops. The airport was reportedly below approach minimums.
Investigation Findings
No evidence of engine or airframe failure or malfunction was found. The investigation identified the following factors: inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot in command, dusk light conditions, low ceiling, fog, rain, and weather below approach/landing minimums. The pilot performed an improper IFR procedure, exhibited overconfidence in personal ability, and did not maintain the minimum descent altitude, leading to collision with trees and subsequently with terrain.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is structured as three occurrences:
- Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather (phase: approach - FAF/outer marker to threshold IFR). Findings: 1. preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command; 2. light condition - dusk; 3. weather condition - low ceiling; 4. weather condition - fog; 5. weather condition - rain; 6. weather condition - below approach/landing minimums.
- Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object (phase: approach - FAF/outer marker to threshold IFR). Findings: 7. IFR procedure - improper - pilot in command; 8. overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command; 9. minimum descent altitude - not maintained - pilot in command; 10. object - tree(s).
- Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water (phase: descent - uncontrolled). Findings: 11. Terrain condition - mountainous/hilly.