What happened
During a flight approaching Runway 5, the pilot reported a missed approach to the tower controller. Following instructions from the approach controller, the tower controller issued an alternate missed approach procedure to the pilot. The specific instruction given was to turn right to a heading of 180, climb, and maintain 2,000 feet.
The pilot executed these instructions by turning right, which directed the aircraft toward rising terrain. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing the engines prior to the impact, but there was no evidence that the pilot had initiated an aggressive climb. The aircraft subsequently collided with the tops of trees measuring approximately 100 feet in height. The accident occurred about one-quarter mile east of the airport and to the right of the runway centerline. The terrain elevation at the crash site was approximately 200 feet, rising from an elevation of 149 feet at the runway threshold.
Findings
The investigation determined that the missed approach procedure issued by the tower controller was not authorized under the guidelines established in Air Traffic Control Manual 7110.65.