Multi-Engine Aircraft Crash After Engine Failure and ILS Approach (N85WM)

Incident Overview and Approach Details An aircraft was cruising at 6,000 feet when the pilot reported that the right engine had lost power. Air traffic control vectored the aircraft to an airport for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach. The reported weather conditions included a broken ceiling at 1,500 feet, an overcast ceiling at 2,000 feet, visibility of 1.5 miles with light rain, and light winds. ## Pilot Actions and Instrument Issues While on vectors, the pilot stated that the engine had been restarted but was not running well. The pilot also reported an inability to tune in to the ILS. An FAA facility check airplane later rated the ILS as satisfactory. The pilot never intercepted the ILS, and the aircraft's altitude varied between 2,600 and 3,900 feet. ## Witness Accounts and Crash Sequence Witnesses heard an engine sputtering and observed the aircraft flying erratically, moving in and out of the clouds, circling and turning. The aircraft then climbed into the clouds at a steep angle, followed by a nearly vertical descent into a house. ## Pilot Qualifications and Engine Examination The pilot did not hold a multi-engine rating. He had attempted to obtain this rating 15 months before the accident but failed three attempts. In the 12 months prior to the accident, the pilot had an estimated total of 22 flight hours. The engines were severely damaged during the impact, but examination revealed no discrepancies.