Approach and Weather
The pilot was provided vectors for a simplified directional facility (SDF) runway 9 approach. No weather report was available for the destination airport (Alma), but the pilot was advised of the weather at Saginaw: indefinite ceiling, 200 feet obscured, visibility 1/2 mile in fog, temperature 41 °F, dew point 31 °F, wind 100° at 8 knots, and altimeter setting 29.90 inHg.
Missed Approach and Crash
After being cleared for the approach, the pilot descended to the minimum descent altitude (MDA) of 1,300 feet MSL using the autopilot. About one minute past the final approach fix, he heard a "thump" which he thought might be a bird strike. He stated that he initiated a missed approach, but could not recall whether he added power or disengaged the autopilot. Subsequently, the aircraft descended into trees and crashed approximately 2.5 miles west of the airport.
Investigation
An examination of the crash site revealed that the aircraft had collided with treetops, then pulled up and continued over trees for about 400 feet before finally descending steeply into a wooded area and crashing in a river. No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft was found. The elevation of the crash site was reported as 754 feet MSL.