At about 1819 Eastern time, the airplane collided with terrain while executing an RNAV (GPS) approach. The instrument-rated private pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. Instrument conditions existed; an IFR flight plan was in effect.
Prior to the arrival of the accident airplane, a friend of the pilot flew the same flight in a similarly-equipped airplane. The friend never broke out of the clouds, performed a missed approach and diverted to an alternate airport. At 1806:36, ATC cleared the accident pilot for the approach. A witness subsequently saw the airplane descend out of the clouds with no perceived pitch change or change in engine noise prior to impacting terrain.
