Approach and Accident
The pilot was cleared for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to runway 7 and was advised of a DC-9 aircraft ahead, approximately 4 miles in front, with a caution for wake turbulence. During the final approach, the aircraft descended below the ILS glideslope and subsequently struck trees, crashing about 1.8 miles short of the runway.
Aircraft and Systems Examination
No pre-impact failure or malfunction of the aircraft or its engines was found that would have resulted in the accident. The ILS system was reported to have no problems and tested normally after the accident.
Pilot Qualifications
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate, which was valid for single-engine land aircraft. His multi-engine privileges were authorized only as a private pilot.
Performance and Radar Data
A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) performance study showed that the aircraft was 2 minutes and 57 seconds behind the DC-9. Radar data indicated that the aircraft did not exceed a bank angle of 32 degrees, and no excessive G-values were evident during the approach.