Accident Overview
A pilot flying at night in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) requested radar vectors from Cleveland ARTCC for the NDB runway 24 approach at Somerset, Pennsylvania. While being vectored, the pilot was cleared to descend and maintain 4,500 feet until established on the published segment of the approach, then cleared for the NDB approach.
Sequence of Events
As the pilot intercepted the final approach course, the controller advised of VFR traffic ahead at 3,500 feet and asked for the pilot's altitude. The pilot reported 3,700 feet. The controller then suggested maintaining 3,500 feet if possible, noting traffic at twelve o'clock less than 2 miles, altitude 3,300 feet. After the traffic passed, the controller stated, "traffic just passed underneath you, 3,300, you can resume your normal descent, cleared for the approach."
At that time, the airplane was about 4.5 miles from the NDB. The minimum altitude at the final approach fix (located at the NDB) was 3,800 feet. The minimum descent altitude for the approach was 2,840 feet.
Wreckage Location
The wreckage was found about 2.6 miles and 080 degrees from the Somerset NDB, and about half a mile south of the final approach course. The elevation at the wreckage site was approximately 2,630 feet.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airplane and its engine revealed no preimpact anomalies.