AVAir Flight 3378, operated by a Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner, faced a catastrophic event shortly before reaching its destination. The aircraft was making its final approach to Raleigh-Durham International Airport when it encountered severe weather conditions. Reports indicated that rain and poor visibility played significant roles in the flight's tragic circumstances. Eyewitness accounts described the plane struggling to maintain altitude before crashing into a wooded area in Cary, North Carolina.

All 12 passengers aboard, comprising both crew and clients, lost their lives in the incident. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, but the aircraft suffered complete destruction upon impact, leaving no survivors. The wreckage was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the exact factors that contributed to the crash. During the investigation, it was revealed that the crew's decisions in handling the adverse weather conditions were called into question.

Additionally, the crash raised safety concerns regarding commuter flights operating in challenging weather situations. Consequently, it led to further scrutiny of operational protocols for smaller regional airlines, emphasizing the importance of rigorous training for pilots, especially in adverse weather conditions. The crash underscored the potential risks associated with commuter flights and called for improved safety regulations within the aviation industry.