Incident Overview
During an instrument approach to an airport, the pilot reported that the first ADF approach was terminated by a missed approach due to an oscillating directional needle. On the second approach, the aircraft broke out of clouds and encountered trees directly ahead. The aircraft subsequently impacted a cloud-obscured ridge located 3.5 miles southeast of the airport while on a southerly heading.
Weather and Wind Conditions
The pilot and witnesses reported strong winds from the northwest to north. The ceiling at the airport was reported as 1,000 feet above ground level. The minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach was 1,100 feet.
Approach Details
The final approach course for the NDB approach was 253 degrees. The NDB was reportedly operating satisfactorily according to the fixed-base operator (FBO). Subsequent tests of the aircraft's ADF receiver revealed that it also operated satisfactorily.
Equipment Function
Both the NDB ground station and the aircraft's ADF receiver were found to be functioning properly after the incident.