What happened
While performing an NDB approach, the pilot cancelled his IFR flight plan upon gaining visual contact with the airfield. Shortly after Air Traffic Control (ATC) terminated radar service, the pilot reestablished radio contact and reported that he had lost sight of the airport.
ATC issued instructions for the pilot to climb to 2000 feet, but the pilot did not respond to the command. The final radar return showed the aircraft performing a left turn toward the northeast; however, the published missed approach procedure for the airport is a climbing right turn to an altitude of 1900 feet MSL. The aircraft subsequently impacted trees approximately 1.5 miles northeast of the airport.
Prior to beginning the approach, the pilot had been flying nonstop from Kentucky for approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes. The flight was conducted almost entirely in IMC conditions, characterized by moderate to severe turbulence and rime ice. The approach attempt occurred during hours of darkness with low visibility and a lack of ground references.