Accident Details
During a night arrival, the pilot was cleared for a VOR/circling approach to Sidney Municipal Airport. The published approach originated from the Hancock VOR, directing a northerly course of 354 degrees toward the airport. The aircraft crashed and burned on wooded terrain approximately 1 mile north of the airport, in the vicinity of a left downwind leg for Runway 7. Initial impact occurred with trees at an elevation of about 1550 feet while the aircraft was paralleling Runway 7/25, which has a heading of 255 degrees. The airport elevation is 1027 feet. The minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the VOR approach is 2280 feet.
Weather
The weather reported at 0051 EDT at Binghamton, New York, about 26 miles southwest of the accident site, included 1500 feet scattered clouds, 5500 feet overcast, visibility 7 miles, and wind from 120 degrees at 5 knots.
Investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a preimpact part failure or malfunction. The propeller blades exhibited evidence of rotational damage. A toxicological test of the pilot's blood showed an alcohol level of 101 mg% (0.101%); however, the pilot's body and the wreckage were not found until August 15, 1984. There was evidence indicating that the alcohol in the pilot's blood would have resulted from putrefaction.