Departure and Diversion
The aircraft, registered as N81752, departed Lincoln Park, New York, at 1858 EDT with an IFR flight plan listing Easton, Maryland as the destination. Prior to departure, the pilot contacted Millville Flight Service Station four times for weather information. En route, the pilot decided to divert to Salisbury, Maryland due to weather conditions.
Approach and Disorientation
After being cleared for the Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 32 at Salisbury, the pilot crossed the VOR and turned northwest instead of the correct southeast direction. The aircraft descended to between 700 and 900 feet MSL while heading away from the airport. Air traffic control reoriented the pilot and instructed him to report at the COLBE LOM inbound. However, the pilot called COLBE when actually over the Salisbury VOR.
Collision
The aircraft continued the approach, concluding with the pilot stating he was circling to land. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees on a northwest heading off the approach end of Runway 32.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
Post-crash fire destroyed the majority of the fuselage. Examination of the aircraft and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have affected normal operation. The pilot had obtained his instrument rating three months prior to the accident, and at that time had logged 34 instrument hours and 21 night hours.