Accident Overview
A pilot diverted from his destination airport to an alternate because of weather conditions. Upon arriving at the alternate airport, he conducted an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 26. However, due to fog, he was unable to land and executed a missed approach. The pilot then elected to perform a second approach to the same airport but again could not land.
Impact Details
During the second missed approach, the airplane impacted a road on the airport property, approximately 1,400 feet south of the runway, and was destroyed. The impact occurred on a heading of 273 degrees, and the main wreckage came to rest about 775 feet from the initial impact point. The landing gear, flaps, and spoilers were found in the retracted position; the aircraft had been modified with spoilers.
Witness and Weather Observations
A witness, who is a commercial pilot, heard the airplane and reported that the engine was at full power and sounded normal. A weather observation taken after the accident reported visibility of 1/4 mile with fog.
Pilot Background and Schedule
The pilot had worked from 0800 to 1730 during the day before reporting for the flight at approximately 2200. Around 2000 that same evening, he had a telephone conversation with a family member; during the call, he did not mention any plan to sleep, although one topic of discussion was the pilot's flight schedule. The accident occurred at 0533 the next morning. The pilot was on his second flight of the duty period and had flown about six hours before the accident. Family members stated that he often worked all day before flying at night.
Investigation
The investigation is ongoing. No probable cause has been stated by the source.