Approach and Communication
Approach control provided vectors and cleared the pilot for an ILS approach to Runway 7L. During the approach, the controller noted the aircraft was approximately 1 mile south of the final approach course and asked the pilot if he was receiving the localizer. The pilot replied in the negative. The controller then began giving instructions for a surveillance approach and informed the pilot that the minimum descent altitude (MDA) was 420 feet, but did not clear him to descend.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after, the controller observed that the Mode C altitude readout, which had been intermittent, indicated 400 feet. The controller immediately instructed the pilot to turn left to a heading of 360 degrees and climb to 1,600 feet, which the pilot acknowledged. The controller then advised the pilot that there was an antenna at his one o'clock position. There was no response, and contact with the aircraft was subsequently lost.
Accident and Findings
The aircraft was later found in the vicinity, having struck trees and crashed on a heading of 160 degrees, approximately 1.6 miles west-southwest of the outer marker. The terrain elevation at that location was about 35 feet. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the number one navigation receiver, which was undamaged, was set to 109.75 MHz. The ILS frequency for the approach was 109.7 MHz. The pilot's estimated flight time in the Beech S35 was 10 hours; his certified flight instructor believed the pilot was not current for instrument flight. The estimated weather at the airport at the time (1342) was 300-foot overcast ceiling, 2 miles visibility with fog and drizzle.