Accident Summary
A commercial pilot with an instrument rating was conducting a flight in simulated instrument conditions under a hood during dark night conditions. The safety pilot, a private pilot without an instrument rating, occupied the right seat. While nearing the destination airport, the pilot remained under the hood and began a GPS instrument approach.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, he passed over the initial approach fix at 4,000 feet and initiated a descent at 500 feet per minute while maintaining 140 knots. He reported crossing the final approach fix at 2,600 feet, after which he extended the flaps and lowered the landing gear. Approximately 15 seconds later, the airplane contacted trees and impacted the ground.
The safety pilot reported that as the airplane crossed the final approach fix, he had the runway in sight. However, he then lost sight of the runway and was about to tell the pilot to "pull up" when the impact occurred.
Radar and Navigation Data
Radar data indicated the aircraft's altitude was 3,500 feet over the initial approach fix and 2,200 feet approximately 1.02 nautical miles before reaching the final approach fix. According to the published GPS instrument approach plate, the minimum altitude at the final approach fix was 2,600 feet, and the minimum descent altitude for a straight-in approach was 1,660 feet. The airplane collided with trees at an elevation of 1,199 feet, approximately 1.21 miles past the final approach fix and 2.79 miles before the missed approach point.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating. The passenger held a private pilot certificate and was not instrument rated. No other details about the aircraft or its registration were provided in the source.