What happened
The aircraft was conducting an instrument flight rules (IFR) arrival when the pilot was cleared for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to runway 10. Radar surveillance facilities were not available at the time, so navigation relied on ground-based aids and pilot reports. At 1026 Eastern Standard Time, the pilot reported being established on the localizer course.
Approximately four minutes later, the pilot declared a missed approach. Air traffic control cleared the aircraft back to the outer marker (OM) and authorized a second ILS approach attempt. However, at 1042 EST, the controller lost radio contact with the aircraft before the pilot could report reaching the outer marker.
The wreckage was subsequently located approximately 10 miles southwest of the airport. The aircraft was found on a southeasterly heading. Examination of the debris field revealed a high degree of disintegration, indicating that the aircraft impacted the ground at a high rate of speed.
The investigation
A physical examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine if mechanical issues contributed to the accident. Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact part failure or malfunction during the examination of the debris.
Weather conditions at the airport were recorded at 1053 EST, shortly after the estimated time of the incident. The conditions included a ceiling of 400 feet with overcast skies and visibility of 1-1/4 miles in fog. Wind was from 300 degrees at 9 knots.
Findings
An review of the pilot's logbook revealed that he had logged only 2 hours of instrument flight time in the previous 90 days. This limited recent experience may have contributed to the difficulty in maintaining situational awareness or navigation during the missed approach and subsequent attempt in low visibility conditions.
The loss of radio contact prior to reaching the outer marker on the second approach prevented air traffic control from providing further guidance or tracking the aircraft's position relative to safe terrain clearance.