What happened
The flight was executing an ILS approach to runway 5R when, at an altitude of 2,100 feet and a speed of 163 knots, the pilot declared a missed approach. Following instructions to maintain 2,000 feet and fly the runway heading, radar tracked N41003 initiating a right turn away from the airport/VOR while descending.
As the aircraft continued its descent, it was observed at 1,500 feet, 0.57 miles from the airport/VOR, turning right and increasing speed. Radar data indicated the aircraft descended 400 feet and traveled approximately 0.32 miles within a 10-second interval. Before radio and radar contact were lost, the aircraft was level at 1,600 feet on a heading of 123 degrees, traveling at 169 knots, located 2.35 miles from the airport/VOR.
The published decision height for the approach was 620 feet MSL, with a minimum visibility requirement of 1/2 mile. The prescribed missed approach procedure required climbing to 1,000 feet, followed by a climbing right turn to 2,500 feet via heading 130 degrees and the RDU R-087 radial to the ZEBUL intersection.
Weather at the time of the accident included winds from 050 degrees at 5 knots, visibility of 1/2 statute mile, fog, drizzle, and an overcast ceiling of 100 feet. A witness reported that the aircraft was flying low with power appearing to be in a cruise configuration and maintained a consistent sound until the crash.
The investigation
The pilot had accumulated 10 total flight hours in this specific make and model, with 33 total night flight hours and 59 total instrument flight hours.