Overview
The accident flight involved a pilot who executed a missed approach at the intended destination and proceeded to an alternate airport. During two instrument landing system (ILS) approaches at the alternate, the airplane did not descend to minimums, leading to two missed approaches. Following the initiation of the second missed approach, the airplane collided with terrain in an uncontrolled descent.
Incident Sequence
After the initial missed approach at the destination, the pilot flew to an alternate airport. The first ILS approach at the alternate resulted in a missed approach because the airplane did not descend to the minimum descent altitude. A second ILS approach was attempted, but again the airplane did not descend to minimums, necessitating another missed approach. Shortly after beginning the second missed approach, the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and struck the ground.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the accident site indicated that the airplane had crashed in a steep descent. Investigators found no evidence of preimpact failure of the airframe, engine, or instruments. The airplane sustained extensive damage during the impact.
Pilot Background
The pilot had accumulated 64 hours of dual instruction over six months in 1994 before his first solo flight. He obtained a total of 103 hours of dual instruction and 32 hours of solo flying over 14 months prior to earning his private pilot certificate. Instrument training took place over a subsequent 10-month period, and he received his instrument rating in Florida on July 17, departing for Maine the following day. The accident flight was his first solo flight in actual instrument conditions. Before this flight, the pilot's actual weather flying experience totaled 0.6 hours, acquired during three separate flights with a certified flight instructor.