Accident Overview
While operating under an IFR flight plan in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the pilot was cleared for an ILS approach to Runway 27 at Tallahassee Regional Airport in Tallahassee, Florida. Throughout the approach, the pilot mentally prepared to execute the published missed approach above the published decision height. He stated that the airplane was flown below the glide path and to the right of the final approach course.
Sequence of Events
At 300 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot looked outside the airplane searching for the runway environment. He observed lights and a yellow rotating beacon. At that point, he became spatially disoriented and fixated on the rotating beacon. He did not increase his scanning or return his vision inside to the airplane's flight instruments. Subsequently, the airplane crashed.
Damage and Injuries
The airplane was destroyed. The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries.
Investigation Details
The source of the rotating beacon was not determined.