What happened
During an instrument approach to runway 17 under instrument meteorological conditions, the aircraft experienced a loss of altitude and deceleration. Approximately two miles from the destination, the plane entered a left turn before striking terrain and coming to rest on a residential lot. Radar tracking showed that the aircraft was not stabilized on its approach, noting a speed reduction to 80 knots roughly three miles from the airport, followed by a further drop to 68 knots as the left turn commenced.
An eyewitness, also a pilot, observed the aircraft emerging from the fog at an altitude of approximately 300 to 400 feet. The observer noted the plane was in a left bank with a downward pitch and high airspeed. The aircraft then abruptly leveled out, increased engine power, and transitioned into a steep, nose-high descent of about 65 degrees toward a treeline.
At the time of the accident, local weather conditions featured a 500-foot overcast and visibility of one statute mile, which had deteriorated to a 300-foot ceiling shortly before the impact. The aircraft was not stabilized on the approach during the final stages of the descent.
Findings
Post-accident inspections of the engine and the airframe showed no evidence of mechanical failure or technical deficiencies. The accident occurred while the pilot was operating in actual instrument meteorological conditions with low visibility and low ceilings.