Accident Sequence
A cargo flight originating from College Station was conducting a night approach when the pilot failed to recognize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient. The twin-engine airplane struck trees and crashed a few miles from the runway threshold. The accident resulted in the deaths of the pilot and one passenger; a second passenger was seriously injured.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a collision with trees on final approach due to improper IFR operation.
Contributing Factors
Investigators reported several contributing factors, including pilot fatigue, low ceiling, fog, snow, and visibility of two miles or less. A witness stated that the pilot had awakened at 0800 local time on January 20 and worked throughout the day before departing on a four-hour flight.