Incident Overview
The pilot of a single-engine airplane conducted two non-precision instrument approaches to the destination airport. After missing the first approach, the pilot reported difficulty and requested another approach. Witnesses reported that the airplane appeared normal as it overflew the airport while circling to land.
Witness Observations
According to witnesses, the airplane was about half a mile northwest of the airport when its wings rocked back and forth. The airplane then pitched nose-up before pitching nose-down into the ground.
Weather Conditions
The reported weather at the time included a ceiling of 400 to 800 feet, visibility of 2 to 3.5 miles in fog, and northerly winds at less than 10 knots.
Pilot Experience
Records indicate that the pilot had accumulated 9.6 hours of flight time in the accident airplane, which included 5.1 hours of actual instrument time and three instrument approaches.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. The shoulder harnesses for the front seats were found in the stowed position.