Incident Overview
A pilot conducting an ILS approach to Runway 5 experienced a sequence of events that led to a tree strike and subsequent landing incident. According to the pilot, the aircraft entered fog approximately 350 feet above the decision height (DH). Upon reaching the DH, the pilot sighted the runway and continued the approach.
Deviation and Tree Strike
The pilot reported deviating left of the localizer centerline. While turning back toward the centerline, the pilot inadvertently descended below the glide slope. The aircraft struck a tree located about 300 feet left of the runway, at an elevation approximately 50 feet below the runway, and about 300 feet past the runway threshold.
Post-Strike Maneuvers and Landing
Despite the tree strike, the pilot was able to maintain control and remain airborne. The aircraft proceeded to land approximately 2,000 feet down the runway, but during the landing rollout, it departed the side of the runway.
Aircraft Damage
Examination of the aircraft revealed substantial damage from the tree strike. Approximately 12 inches of the left wing inboard leading edge was pushed back to the spar. The entire left wing was twisted downward about 30 degrees. Additionally, the nose gear collapsed during the landing.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was explicitly stated in the source.