Incident Overview
During a training flight, a certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were being vectored for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 21. The weather conditions included rain, lightning, and light to occasional moderate turbulence. Despite these conditions, the crew continued the approach.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane intercepted the glideslope, a "brilliant flash of lightning" occurred. Immediately thereafter, off flags appeared for both the localizer and glideslope, indicating loss of valid ILS signals. The CFI then instructed the student to abort the approach. However, the airplane subsequently descended to impact with the terrain.
Meteorological Information
A convective SIGMET for embedded thunderstorms was in effect for the area and had been broadcast to the accident airplane. The CFI misinterpreted the SIGMET information, believing it did not apply to their location.
Key Factors
The crew was aware of the thunderstorm activity but continued the approach. The lightning strike likely caused the ILS receiver failures, and the subsequent loss of guidance may have contributed to the descent. However, the exact reasons for the collision were not explicitly determined by the source.
Notes
This summary is based solely on the provided source. No further details about aircraft type, registration, occupants, injuries, or damages are available.