What happened
During a positioning flight, an instrument-rated commercial pilot received a weather briefing indicating IFR conditions, including fog, low ceilings, and visibility of 1/4 mile. After departing the airport, the pilot was provided radar vectors to the initial approach fix (IAF) for a localizer approach. The IAF was located 5.0 nautical miles from the runway threshold, with a minimum decision altitude of 1,600 feet and a required visibility of 1 mile.
During the approach, air traffic control experienced radio static and a power fluctuation at the facility, which the power company later recorded as a power fault. Following this event, radio contact with the pilot could not be established. The Cessna (type not specified in source) struck power lines located 38 feet 6 inches above ground level and impacted the terrain short of the runway. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
Investigators found power line cables entangled around the fuselage and the horizontal stabilizer. Subsequent examination of the aircraft's flight control continuity showed no issues. The cockpit approach receivers, indicators, and communication equipment were inspected, and no anomalies were noted that would have impacted the approach. Additionally, the vacuum pumps, airframe, and engine were found to be in proper working order prior to the accident. It was also noted that the Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs) were inoperative at the time of the event.