Flight Details
The pilot's original destination was Bader Field in Atlantic City. During arrival, he diverted to Atlantic City Airport because Bader Field was below minimums. Air traffic control provided vectors for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to Runway 13 and cleared the pilot for the approach. The pilot was subsequently cleared to land and advised that the runway 13 RVR was 4,000 feet and the wind was from 090 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot acknowledged the transmission, after which no further radio contact was made with the aircraft.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft crashed approximately 3.5 miles northwest of the airport in a wooded area. Initial impact occurred with trees just slightly left of the localizer course line. The elevation at the accident site was 60 feet. The airport elevation is 76 feet, and the decision height for the ILS was 276 feet.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact part failure or malfunction that would have caused the accident. During the flight, the pilot had radioed that a circuit breaker had "popped" but also said the problem was resolved. The circuit breakers for the navigation lights and flaps were found in the disengaged position.