Flight History
The flight began under visual flight rules (VFR) without a flight plan. About 40 miles southwest of the destination airport, the pilot filed for and received an IFR clearance due to weather conditions. He was cleared to descend to 3,000 feet and proceed to the initial approach fix for the ILS runway 20 approach. Subsequently, he was cleared for the approach via the published procedure turn, which had a minimum altitude of 1,600 feet.
According to the controller, the pilot was requested to report altitude. The controller noted that although the pilot's assigned altitude was 3,000 feet, the aircraft was observed at varying altitudes between 2,000 and 2,700 feet. The last radar contact, at 1823:47, showed the aircraft at 2,100 feet while still in the procedure turn. Radar and radio communications were lost at that point.
The airplane struck wires about 35 feet above ground level, approximately 11.5 miles north of the airport.
Pilot Experience
The pilot held a total flight time of 4,015 hours, all in single-engine aircraft, with 137 hours in the accident make and model. Logbook entries showed 324 hours of night flying, 135 hours of simulated instrument flight, and 105 hours of actual instrument flight. However, for the years 1999 and 2000 combined, the pilot had logged only 10.6 hours of instrument flight time. The most recent entry, dated July 12, 2000, recorded 0.4 hours of instrument flight.
Weather and Environment
The accident occurred during the hours of darkness. The reported weather near the time of the accident was: 300-foot overcast ceiling, visibility 1 statute mile in light rain, winds calm, temperature 55°F, dew point 54°F, and an altimeter setting of 30.19 inches of mercury.
Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine, propeller, and vacuum pump revealed no discrepancies.
Toxicological Findings
Toxicological testing detected chlorpheniramine in the pilot's urine and blood at levels consistent with a normal single dose taken within the previous approximately 24 hours. Chlorpheniramine use can result in drowsiness and has measurable effects on performance of complex cognitive and motor tasks, such as flying an aircraft. It may also interfere with the normal function of the inner ear, potentially increasing susceptibility to spatial disorientation.