Accident Overview
An on-demand air taxi airplane struck trees and terrain while executing a third attempt at an instrument landing system (ILS) approach. The wreckage came to rest approximately two miles beyond the airport on the extended centerline of the intended landing runway.
Pilot Report
In a post-accident interview, the pilot recalled that during the first approach to the airport, he was able to see the runway and observed vehicles on the taxiway before performing a missed approach. When asked about the reason for the second missed approach, the pilot stated it was due to instrument fluctuations on his course direction indicator (CDI). During this period, he requested that the runway lights be set to high intensity because he could not see them. Airport personnel verified that the lights were set to high intensity as requested. The pilot reported having no memory of events during the third approach after passing the outer marker.
Airport Operations
Snow removal operations were in progress at the airport during the time the accident airplane was making its approaches.