Accident Overview
A non-instrument rated private pilot was conducting a cross-country flight at night under an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. The pilot had obtained a weather briefing that indicated instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed at the destination airport. During the first approach, the pilot executed a missed approach. On the second approach, the airplane impacted terrain approximately half a mile short of the runway threshold.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate without an instrument rating. He had accumulated 818 total hours of flight time, of which 13.4 hours were in actual or simulated instrument conditions.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather conditions at the destination airport included an overcast ceiling at 300 feet above ground level and a visibility of 4 statute miles in light rain and mist.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical discrepancies that would have prevented normal operation.
Conclusion
The accident involved a non-instrument rated pilot attempting to land in instrument conditions at night. The aircraft impacted terrain short of the runway on the second approach. No probable cause was stated in the investigation source.