Incident Overview
A student pilot who was not instrument rated filed an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan using another person's name. After contacting ground control for departure, the student was advised that the airport had just become IFR. Following confusion about canceling and filing flight plans, he was issued an IFR clearance. When asked if he was instrument qualified and equipped, the student replied, 'that is correct.'
Approach and Crash Sequence
During the arrival at Addison, Texas, the student attempted to land using an instrument landing system (ILS) approach but was unable to complete the approach. Tower and approach control personnel provided assistance while the student attempted a second approach. Subsequently, the student transmitted mayday calls just before the aircraft crashed.
Witness Observations
According to witnesses, the aircraft emerged from the overcast, then re-entered the overcast before crashing. During the occurrence, the aircraft first contacted power lines after clearing the roof of a building. It then impacted in an open field approximately 84 feet beyond the power line and burned.