Approach and Missed Approach Initiation
The flight was cleared for the ILS approach to runway 5R. While at mid runway, at 2,100 feet, heading 049 degrees, and a speed of 163 knots, the pilot stated "missed approach." He was instructed to maintain 2,000 feet and to fly runway heading.
Flight Path After Missed Approach
Radar data indicated that N41003 began a right turn, flying away from the airport/VOR, and descending. At a point 0.57 miles from the airport/VOR, the aircraft had descended to 1,500 feet, was turning right, and increasing speed. The descent covered 400 feet over approximately 0.32 miles in 10 seconds. Radio and radar contact were lost when the flight was 2.35 miles from the airport/VOR, level at 1,600 feet, on a heading of 123 degrees, at a speed of 169 knots.
The published decision height (DH) for the approach was 620 feet mean sea level (msl), with minimum visibility of 1/2 mile. The published missed approach procedure in use at the time of the accident directed: "Climb to 1,000 [feet], then climbing right turn to 2,500 [feet] via heading 130 degrees, and RDU R-087 [087 degree radial] to ZEBUL Int [intersection] and hold."
A witness reported that the aircraft was flying low, with power appearing to be in a cruise configuration, and maintaining the same sound until the crash.
Weather Conditions
The reported weather at the time included: winds from 050 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 1/2 statute mile, obscuration due to fog and drizzle, ceiling overcast at 100 feet, temperature and dew point both 11 degrees Celsius, and altimeter setting 30.30 inches of mercury.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had accumulated 10 total flight hours in this make and model airplane, 33 total night flight hours, and 59 total instrument flight hours.