Accident Overview
The aircraft was conducting a night instrument landing system approach to runway 17. Before starting the approach, the pilot in command was informed that visibility was 1/8 mile, while the minimum visibility for the approach was 1/2 mile.
Approach and Visibility
At the middle marker, the rated passenger occupying the right seat told the PIC that the runway was not in sight. The passenger stated that he had activated the runway lights when the approach was initiated.
Missed Approach and Impact
Two passengers, both pilots, reported that a missed approach was initiated. One passenger recalled nothing further, while the other remembered hearing a crunching sound. The missed approach procedure required a climb to 1,700 feet followed by a climbing left turn to 3,000 feet.
The aircraft struck a tree approximately 12 feet above ground level. The tree was located 2,100 feet from the runway approach end threshold on a relative bearing of 230 degrees. At the time of impact, the aircraft was in a right turn on a heading of 345 degrees. The terrain around the airport was flat.
Aircraft Configuration
The flaps were found in the retracted position.