Weather Briefing and Flight Planning
The pilot received two weather briefings and was advised of deteriorating instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions at the destination airport. When filing an IFR flight plan, the pilot informed the briefer that he did not have his charts; the briefer looked up the airway designations and fixes for the pilot.
Approach and Communications
Near the destination, air traffic control (TRACON) advised the pilot that the airport was reporting weather below minimums and that three aircraft had made missed approaches without seeing the ground. The controller suggested nearby airports that were above approach minimums as alternates. The pilot stated that his car was parked at the destination airport and that he wanted to make the approach.
Radar and Flight Path
Radar data disclosed that the aircraft flew the approach segments at least 1,000 feet higher than the charted altitudes, with speeds between 180 and 155 knots. The aircraft overflew the missed approach point and the airport, then crossed the adjacent US/Mexico border before air traffic control could instruct the pilot to make an immediate missed approach. The pilot responded on the radio, "I guess I don't know where I am."
Radar data showed the aircraft climbing and descending rapidly as it reversed course, then descending to 300 feet above ground level as it neared the west airport boundary. The pilot transmitted that he thought he had the airport in sight. Four seconds later, the aircraft impacted the departure end of the runway.
Ground Witness Observations
Ground witnesses observed the aircraft in cloud bases, and they noted that it narrowly missed a building; it then turned sharply toward the runway before descending steeply to ground impact.
Pilot Logbook and Currency
Examination of the pilot's logbook revealed that he had not met the instrument currency requirements of 14 CFR 91.