Accident Details
The pilot of the airplane informed air traffic control that he would conduct a GPS approach to the destination airport, intending to land on runway 18. Subsequently, the pilot received clearance and initiated a night IFR approach to the same runway. During the approach, the airplane struck trees at an altitude of approximately 75 feet. It then impacted the terrain about 3.9 miles north of the airport. The debris track was aligned with the extended centerline of the intended runway, and the wreckage scattered on a heading toward the runway. The elevation of the terrain at the accident site was similar to that of the airport.
Aircraft Information
According to the owner of the airplane, the aircraft was not equipped with a GPS system. The owner stated that the pilot was known to own a handheld GPS unit. At the accident site, investigators identified a destroyed handheld GPS unit.
Weather Conditions
The weather at the destination airport was described as marginal for an approach, with rain and fog, according to the airplane owner, who was present at the airport around the time of the accident.