Incident Overview
On December 27, an aircraft cleared for an ADF approach was last observed on radar approximately one mile inside the RBN (radio beacon). The aircraft was subsequently located about 4 nautical miles northeast of the airport, having struck trees at the 2,270-foot level of Carson Mountain. The field elevation at the airport is 1,078 feet, while the minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the ADF approach is 1,540 feet.
Flight Path
The aircraft was on a standard ADF approach when it disappeared from radar about one mile past the beacon. The wreckage was found four days later, on December 27, northeast of the airport at an elevation of approximately 2,270 feet on Carson Mountain. The impact with trees occurred at that elevation.
Missed Approach Procedure
The missed approach procedure, as published, required the pilot to turn left, climb to 3,000 feet, return to the RBN, and hold. According to the available information, during the execution of the missed approach, the pilot failed to climb to and maintain the instructed altitude of 3,000 feet.
Conclusion
The aircraft impacted trees on Carson Mountain after the pilot did not comply with the missed approach altitude requirement.