Accident Sequence
A pilot was provided vectors for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 20L in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The radar controller, anticipating other traffic, vectored the aircraft onto a close-in final approach. The aircraft intercepted the localizer approximately 0.5 nautical miles outside the outer marker with a 35-degree intercept angle. According to FAA Order 7110.65G, the maximum allowable intercept angle within 2 nautical miles of the approach gate is 20 degrees. The ILS approach gate is defined as 1 nautical mile outside the outer marker, and aircraft are required to be vectored to intercept at least 2 nautical miles outside the gate.
Radar data indicated erratic heading and altitude excursions beginning about 2.5 nautical miles from the approach end of the runway. These excursions lasted approximately 2 minutes, after which the pilot called for a missed approach. During the missed approach, the aircraft entered a descending right turn and subsequently crashed.
Investigation Findings
Witnesses reported that the engine was running at high RPM at the time of impact. Examination of the autopilot revealed no evidence of malfunction or failure. The pilot did not report any aircraft problems prior to the accident. The pilot had recently attended a Bonanza owner's proficiency course. An instructor from that course stated that the pilot's instrument flying skills were poor and that he would not sign off the pilot's instrument competency check.