What happened
The pilot, who did not hold an instrument rating, departed Dallas, Texas, intending to fly under visual flight rules to Houston Gulf Port Airport. Upon arrival in the Houston area, deteriorating weather conditions prevented a safe landing at the destination. Consequently, the pilot contacted air traffic control and requested vectors to Houston Intercontinental Airport.
Air traffic control provided navigation vectors for an instrument landing system approach to runway 08. The pilot proceeded with the approach without possessing the necessary published charts or having the proper authorization. During the attempt to execute a missed approach procedure, the aircraft crashed past the end of the runway.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the operational context of the flight and the pilot's qualifications. It was determined that the pilot lacked the instrument rating required to conduct an instrument approach in controlled airspace. The failure to have the appropriate charts contributed to the inability to execute the missed approach correctly.
Findings
- N-number not provided
- Pilot was not instrument rated
- Aircraft was flown without published approach charts
- Weather conditions were below visual flight rules minimums
- Fuel exhaustion was not cited as a factor
- The pilot attempted an instrument approach without proper authorization or preparation