Disappearance and Crash
An aircraft vanished from radar while on a night Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 13. The radar track showed the aircraft was approximately 1 mile from the runway on final approach when it executed nearly a 180-degree turn before disappearing. The subsequent crash site was located in a heavily wooded area.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the airframe and engines revealed no evidence of pre-existing mechanical failure. The inquiry into the pilot's flying history disclosed that the hours listed on his resume exceeded those in his logbook, and the logbook hours could not be fully verified. Additionally, the co-pilot did not hold an instrument rating.
Witness and Weather Information
The pilot who preceded the accident aircraft on the same approach reported encountering moderate turbulence and wind shear, and finding the approach lights very distracting. The accident pilot had received a weather briefing that included warnings of wind shear and moderate turbulence.
Conclusion
The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the accident.