Background
An aircraft was conducting an ILS approach to Runway 23. The pilot was assigned an altitude of 3,700 feet but allowed the aircraft to descend 400 feet below that level. The controller queried the pilot about his altitude, and the pilot replied that he had gotten a little low but was returning to the assigned altitude.
Approach
After intercepting the localizer, the pilot was cleared for the approach and instructed to contact the tower. As the aircraft was on final approach, the tower controller noted that it was right of course and advised the pilot. The pilot acknowledged.
Accident
Moments later, the emergency locator transmitter activated as the aircraft hit trees on the crown of a hill and crashed. Initial impact was in level flight at an altitude of approximately 1,700 feet MSL. The airport elevation was 1,519 feet. The decision height for the approach was 1,718 feet.
Investigation
During the investigation, no preimpact malfunction was found concerning the aircraft or navigation equipment that would have resulted in the accident. About one minute before the accident, another pilot, who had just completed the approach, reported that he had broken out of the clouds at weather minimums.