Flight History
The flight originated from Nampa, Idaho, at 0830 mountain standard time (MST) with a stopover at Mountain Home, Idaho, and intended to arrive at Hastings, Nebraska. The pilot departed Cheyenne, Wyoming, at approximately 1940 MST.
Weather Briefing
At 2224 central standard time (CST), the pilot received a weather briefing for Hastings, which reported winds from 080 degrees at 4 knots, visibility of one quarter mile in freezing fog, few clouds at 100 feet, an overcast ceiling at 4,200 feet, temperature and dew point both minus 2 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.87 inches of mercury.
Approach Attempts
At 2227 CST, the pilot radioed, indicating an intention to shoot an approach into Hastings and, if it was no good, to execute a missed approach and proceed elsewhere. At 2250 CST, the pilot reported a missed approach and requested clearance to attempt a second approach, which was granted.
Accident Details
At 2300 CST, the aircraft impacted an irrigation tower and wheel assembly located approximately one half mile west of the airport. The accident site was near the airport's approach path.
Aircraft Damage
Both propellers exhibited blade twist and chordwise scratching, consistent with contact with an object.
Passenger Statement
The right-seat passenger reported that the pilot did not indicate any problems with the aircraft during the flight. She recalled that during the second approach, the pilot descended to an indicated altitude of 2,300 or 2,350 feet on the altimeter and then began to pull up on the yoke. The field elevation at Hastings is 1,961 feet. The minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach was 2,360 feet. The altimeter was set to 29.84 inches of mercury at the time of the accident. During the flight, there were no indications of altimeter error when the pilot was in contact with air traffic control.