Incident Overview
During an IFR arrival, approximately one mile from the outer marker (OM), the pilot requested a descent from 3,300 ft MSL and was cleared for the localizer Runway 1 approach. The published minimum altitude at the OM was 2,100 ft MSL. The pilot reported at the OM, and 11 seconds later, the controller asked if he wanted to make a 360-degree turn to lose altitude. The pilot declined but performed two S-turns while descending on the approach.
Descent and Missed Approach
The pilot stated that at 800 ft MSL, he applied cruise power, checked his time, and noted he had 30 seconds remaining to reach the missed approach point. Shortly after, he heard a loud bang. He then executed a missed approach, diverted to Burlington, Vermont, and landed using an ILS approach.
Post-Landing Inspection
After landing, foreign object damage was found on the leading edges of the wings, the propeller spinner, and the left horizontal stabilizer. Tree foliage was also found on the aircraft.
Controller Observations
The controller stated that the ARTS target went to a non-beacon status at the approach end of the runway (at 500 ft MSL). The minimum descent altitude (MDA) was 720 ft MSL, and the minimum ceiling and visibility were 400 ft and 1 mile, respectively.
Weather Conditions
Approximately 4 miles southeast, the weather at 0034 hours was reported as 400 ft obscured, 7/8 mile visibility, and fog.