Incident Overview
A non-instrument-rated pilot operated an aircraft under an IFR flight plan into known and forecast IFR weather conditions. The incident occurred during the pilot's second ILS approach to the airport, after the control tower had closed for the night.
Flight Details
The pilot failed to use the aircraft's radio to illuminate the approach lighting system. As a result, he did not locate the runway environment in sufficient time to complete the ILS landing. Subsequently, while attempting to circle below a 300-foot ceiling on the dark night, the pilot lost control of the aircraft.
Accident Circumstances
The aircraft crashed into trees located on the airport property. The pilot was not instrument-rated, yet filed and attempted an IFR flight into known instrument meteorological conditions. The approach lighting system activation, which typically requires keying the microphone a specific number of times, was not performed. The pilot lost control during a circling maneuver underneath the low ceiling.