Accident Summary
While conducting a VOR/DME Runway 29 instrument approach in actual instrument meteorological conditions, the pilot did not align the airplane onto the required 276-degree final approach course. The aircraft descended below the 1,120-foot mean sea level minimum descent altitude and struck rising hilly terrain approximately 3.5 miles northeast of the airport at an elevation of 1,020 feet msl. At the time of impact, the aircraft was tracking a heading of 291 degrees.
Flight Details
Although cleared for the VOR/DME approach, investigators found an operating handheld GPS receiver in the airplane that was not approved for IFR navigation. A GPS Runway 29 approach plate was on the pilot's kneeboard. The GPS's final approach course was 290 degrees, and the aircraft's track at impact was 291 degrees. During the last two minutes of flight, the pilot performed a stabilized descent from approximately 2,000 to 1,000 feet msl.
Pilot Information
The pilot had received an instrument rating about six months before the accident. He indicated to an acquaintance that he planned to practice instrument flying on the day of the accident. Toxicological tests on the pilot's blood detected a very high level of paroxetine, a prescription antidepressant, and an elevated level of mirtazapine, another antidepressant with substantial sedative effects. The pilot did not disclose the use of these medications on his most recent application for a medical certificate.
Post-Accident Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot's failure to align the airplane onto the required final approach course and his descent below the minimum descent altitude were the factors leading to the terrain impact. The presence of the unauthorized GPS and the psychoactive medications in the pilot's system were noted.