Accident Overview
A single-engine aircraft conducting an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight from Memphis, Tennessee to Selma, Alabama crashed during an attempted Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) approach to Craig Airport. The accident occurred at dusk after the pilot was cleared for the approach.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the approach, weather was reported as measured 400-foot overcast ceiling with 1/2 mile visibility in fog. The minimums for the NDB approach were 700-foot ceiling and 3/4 mile visibility, placing conditions below legal minimums.
Flight Progress
The pilot informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) that he would attempt the approach and, if unsuccessful, would proceed to Montgomery, Alabama. After the approach commenced, ATC lost contact with the aircraft.
Witness Account
A witness observed the aircraft before it struck the ground. The witness reported seeing the aircraft bank to avoid a 50-foot tree, then disappear into the fog. The witness estimated that both the ceiling and visibility were approximately 100 feet at the accident site.
Lighting and Terrain
Two mercury vapor security lights were installed on the farm where the aircraft crashed. These lights were located between the final approach fix and the runway.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage found no evidence of any pre-impact aircraft malfunctions. Mechanical failure was not identified as a contributing factor.
Additional Details
The aircraft was operating under IFR, and the approach being conducted was to Craig Air Force Base (now Craig Airport). No further information regarding occupants or injuries was provided in the source.