Flight Route
The pilot was returning to a temporary residence after the first day of a pilot proficiency course. The planned route passed over the LWM VOR. The pilot was to track left on a 145-degree course and intercept the localizer 157-degree course to the airport via the final approach fix (FAF). The FAF was located approximately halfway between the LWM VOR and the airport.
Navigation
After intercepting a 157-degree course to the VOR, the aircraft crossed the VOR and continued on the VOR 157-degree radial, paralleling the localizer course. After passing the VOR, the pilot reported the DME from the LWM VOR, rather than from the localizer DME at the airport.
Altitude and Position
The aircraft remained above the 1800-foot MSL crossing altitude until about 2 miles past the FAF. About 3 miles past the FAF, the airplane turned left 27 degrees, flew across the localizer course, and then began a descending right turn.
Accident Sequence
Radar contact was lost as the aircraft descended below 900 feet. The aircraft struck the ground in a descending right turn.
Weather
The weather at the airport at 2112 EDT was reported as: 100 feet obscured, visibility 1/4 mile with fog.