Incident Overview
The pilot was executing his third VOR Runway 26 approach after two earlier missed approaches. Inbound from the final approach fix (FAF), the airplane suddenly turned to a southerly direction, 90 degrees left of the final approach course, descending through 1,500 feet.
Approach Sequence
At an altitude of 1,000 feet, the pilot reported executing a missed approach, but the altitude continued to decrease. The controller broadcast a low altitude alert, and the pilot responded that he was climbing. The pilot then turned left to an easterly direction, and the altitude lowered to 700 feet. The pilot was advised he was proceeding in the wrong direction. The controller stated, "...I suggest you ah reintercept the VOR final approach course if able."
Accident Location and Result
The airplane impacted the mountain at 900 feet MSL, six miles east of the airport.
Pilot Background
The pilot lived one mile from the airport and received his flight training from airports local to his residence. The pilot had earlier told his certified flight instructor (CFI) that during a VOR approach to the airport at circling minimums, he could not locate the airport and elected to look for the airport rather than execute a missed approach.