What happened
The flight initially attempted a VOR approach at the original destination, but a missed approach was executed after reaching minimums. The pilot then diverted to Jacksonville (JAX), where clearance was received for an ILS runway 7 approach.
During the approach, air traffic control observed several altitude excursions. While the crossing altitude at the outer marker is 1900 feet, the flight crossed the marker at an altitude of only 400 to 500 feet. At approximately 4.5 miles from the runway, the aircraft climbed to 900 feet, and at 3 .5 miles from the runway, it descended to 600 feet. The pilot reported that after tracking the localizer for a period of time, the aircraft drifted off course. While attempting to recapture the localizer, the aircraft struck trees approximately one mile short of the runway.
The investigation
The investigation revealed that the aircraft was not equipped with a glideslope or marker beacon. However, ATC personnel noted that the pilot made it appear as though the aircraft was equipped for a full ILS approach. A review of the pilot's logbook showed no evidence of compliance with FAR 61.57 regarding recent IFR experience, and the pilot's biennial flight review had expired two months prior to the accident. There was no evidence of any problem with the aircraft or its components.