Accident Overview
During a night practice localizer approach to Runway 23 at Birmingham Municipal Airport, an aircraft collided with trees and terrain. The weather at the time was visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The pilot was not instrument rated.
Flight Details
The flight originated from Tri-Cities, North Carolina. While approaching Birmingham, the pilot requested a localizer approach. Air traffic control cleared the pilot for the approach and descent to 3,000 feet. At 1925 hours, when asked if he was receiving the localizer, the pilot responded, "Affirmative - on glide path, excuse me, on the center." The controller advised the pilot of his position 13 miles from the Roeby radio beacon and cleared him for the approach, instructing him to remain visual flight rules (VFR). The pilot acknowledged the clearance and instruction.
The local controller monitored the aircraft on radar (without altitude information) and lost the radar return when the target was 6 miles from the airport. The crash site was located approximately on course near the crest of a 1,240-foot mountain, about 2 miles outside the outer marker. Standard procedures require that an altitude of 2,000 feet be maintained until inside the outer marker.
Witness Account
A witness observed the aircraft descending and heard an increase in engine noise. The witness then saw the nose of the aircraft rise before it struck the trees.
Investigation
No probable cause has been determined from the available information.