What happened
During a night-time on-demand air-taxi operation, an aircraft was performing a non-precision instrument approach when it struck trees and terrain. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 135 regulations. While circling to land, the aircraft impacted the ground approximately 1.74 nautical miles from its intended destination airport at a bearing of 226 degrees magnetic.
Prior to the approach, the pilot had reviewed weather briefings for the route and nearby stations. These reports indicated overcast ceilings between 400 and 500 feet with visibilities ranging from 5 to 7 statute miles. Because the destination airport lacked a weather reporting station at the time of the accident, the pilot relied on reports from the nearest surrounding stations. The airport elevation was 669 feet, while the minimum descent altitude for the approach was 1,240 feet.
Findings
Investigations into the accident revealed several critical factors. While the pilot held the necessary type rating for the aircraft, the occupant in the right seat was a commercial pilot for the operator who lacked the appropriate type rating for this specific model. Additionally, the pitch trim selector switch was positioned on the co-pilot side.
The lack of available weather observations at the destination airport was a significant factor, as federal regulations for Part 145 operations require weather observations at the arrival airport and prohibit initiating an instrument approach without approved weather information indicating conditions are at or above minimums. The approach was conducted over terrain and water that were largely unlit, which can lead to difficulties in judging altitude, speed, and distance during night operations. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were identified in the engines, airframe, or aircraft systems prior to the impact.