Event Summary
A pilot arriving at an airport near his home contacted approach control and requested assistance landing, stating that the weather looked foggy. The controller provided the aircraft's position relative to the airport. As the aircraft descended toward the airport, the pilot reported entering fog at about 4,000 feet MSL. The controller instructed the pilot to climb and maintain VFR, then offered a localizer approach to the airport. Although not certified for instrument flight, the pilot accepted the approach.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the approach, the airport weather was reported as: 1,500 feet scattered, visibility 7 miles. The 1746 PST San Diego weather was: 2,000 feet broken, visibility 5 miles with haze.
Final Approach and Crash
Vectors were provided for the approach. As the aircraft approached the outer marker, the pilot was instructed to change to tower frequency. The pilot acknowledged, but no further transmissions were received from the aircraft, and radar contact was lost. The aircraft subsequently crashed approximately 5 miles east of the airport, on a heading of 050 degrees, in the vicinity where radar contact was lost.
Investigation Findings
No preimpact mechanical problems were found with the aircraft. The pilot's lack of instrument certification was noted.