Flight and Pilot Background
The pilot, a recent ex-military helicopter pilot with about 3,500 total flight hours and approximately 150 hours in multiengine airplanes, received an abbreviated weather briefing for an emergency medical service flight. Before departure, he expressed anxiety about possible low visibility for landing and the timely transport of a dying patient. Evidence indicated he lacked experience with actual instrument approaches in fixed-wing aircraft, and he had difficulty with instrument flying during recent training and FAA check flights.
Approach and Accident Sequence
During the ILS runway 3 approach, the aircraft remained well above the glide slope until near the middle marker. The aircraft's speed decreased from 153 to 100 knots, while the vertical speed increased from 711 feet per minute to about 1,250 feet per minute descent. About one mile from the runway and at 500 feet above ground level in fog, the aircraft abruptly turned left of the localizer course and gradually descended. No distress call was made. The aircraft struck a pole, then flew into a building and burned.
Environmental and Equipment Factors
Low ceiling, fog, and dark night conditions prevailed. The visibility and ceiling at the destination were less than forecast at the time of the pilot's preflight weather briefing. No preimpact mechanical problem was found with the aircraft or engines. No ILS anomalies were discovered. The flight nurse was using a cellular phone, but no evidence was found of interference with the aircraft's navigational system.
Survivors and Outcome
The paramedic was the only survivor.