Incident Overview
An airplane executing an ILS approach to Runway 36 disappeared from radar at 2,500 feet MSL approximately 12 nautical miles south of the airport. The incident occurred as the aircraft was being vectored to intercept the localizer, having been west of the localizer earlier in the approach.
Flight Path Details
During the approach, at the request of approach control, the pilot completed a full left 360-degree turn. Subsequently, the pilot was cleared to the ILS outer marker. Upon reaching the outer marker, the pilot was instructed to contact the local controller. Before intercepting the localizer, the airplane initiated an approximately 9.5-degree left turn away from the localizer.
Communications
As the airplane deviated from the localizer, approach control queried the pilot about the aircraft's heading. There was no response from the pilot. The local controller then broadcasted to the airplane, requesting the pilot to switch back to approach control. The passenger acknowledged this request. No further transmissions were made by either the pilot or the passenger.
Investigation Findings
The investigation did not disclose any evidence of structural, instrument, or engine failure.