Accident Summary
A Piper PA-28-180 airplane was destroyed when it impacted terrain adjacent to a runway during a nighttime instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The pilot and three passengers sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was based at the airport where the accident occurred.
Flight and Approach Details
The accident flight involved an NDB instrument approach under IMC at night. According to the investigation, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft over the airport several times, apparently attempting to establish visual contact with the runway environment. During this sequence, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The airplane subsequently struck level ground next to the runway at high speed, resulting in its destruction.
Accident Sequence
After the noise of the aircraft ceased, the wreckage was discovered at the edge of the airport. The impact was characterized as high speed, and the aircraft was destroyed. The pilot had failed to follow the prescribed instrument approach procedure, which contributed to the loss of control.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the pilot failed to follow the instrument approach procedure. This failure was stated as the cause of the accident. No other causal factors were cited.