What happened
During the initial stages of a localizer approach, the pilot reported to Air Traffic Control that runway 26 was visible. However, because the aircraft was traveling at an excessive speed for landing, the pilot executed a missed approach.
The pilot was subsequently cleared for a second localizer approach to the destination airport at 0048. At approximately 0100, the aircraft struck a 100-foot tall tree and collided with the terrain roughly one mile east of the airport.
At the time of the accident, the reported visibility at the destination airport was only 1/4 mile in fog. The published minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the airport was 3020 feet MSL, based on a requirement of 1 mile visibility.
The investigation
Following the accident, the FAA conducted a test flight of the localizer approach the day after the event. The testing confirmed that the localizer approach equipment operated satisfactory.