What happened
The accident occurred during a night arrival at Morey Airport, an uncontrolled facility situated at an elevation of 928 feet MSL. The pilot was cleared for a VOR-B approach to runway 13/31. Runway lighting consisted of low-intensity lights that could be activated by keying the radio on 123.5 MHz. Circling minimums for the approach required a ceiling of 700 feet and one mile visibility.
During the approach, while communicating on 124.0 MHz, the pilot was advised that weather conditions were 900 feet overcast with seven miles visibility and light drizzle. As the aircraft was on final approach, the air traffic controller heard three clicks on 124.0 MHz and informed the pilot that radar contact had been lost. The pilot responded by stating he had ground contact and was canceling his IFR clearance, but reported that he could not see the runway lights.
Shortly after this communication, the aircraft collided with trees at an elevation of approximately 1000 feet MSL. The impact caused the aircraft to crash and burn. The minimum descent altitude for the approach was 1600 feet MSL.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of visual reference and subsequent terrain collision. Key findings included the discrepancy between the reported weather conditions and the pilot's ability to see the runway lights despite being cleared to land. The activation mechanism for the runway lights via radio frequency was noted as a potential factor in situational awareness.
Findings
Contributing factors to the accident included the pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with the airport environment during a night approach in marginal weather conditions. The low ceiling of 900 feet and light drizzle likely reduced contrast and depth perception, making it difficult to identify the runway lights even when they were potentially activated. The loss of radar contact prior to the crash suggests the aircraft deviated from the intended flight path below safe altitudes.
Safety message
Pilots conducting night approaches in marginal weather must strictly adhere to minimum descent altitudes and rely on instrument guidance until visual references are clearly established. Activation of runway lights via radio frequency should be confirmed visually before descending below safe obstacle clearance altitudes.