Night ILS Approach Accident: Aircraft Collides with Terrain Near Destination Airport (N82284)

Flight Operations and Approach Clearance The pilot obtained weather information before departing on a long cross-country flight at night in instrument meteorological conditions. Approximately two hours after departure, air traffic control vectored the pilot to intercept the localizer for the ILS runway 36 approach at the destination airport. The pilot acknowledged intercepting the localizer and was cleared for the approach. ## Loss of Communications and GPS Data After the approach clearance, ATC terminated radar services and approved a change in radio frequency. The pilot acknowledged the instructions, and no further communications were received. Data from a handheld GPS unit showed that during the final four minutes of the flight, the aircraft made a series of left- and right-hand turns near the localizer course while descending toward the airport. The aircraft was never established on the localizer course. ## Final Position and Terrain Impact The last recorded GPS position occurred at 2118, at an altitude of 779 feet MSL, about 2,000 feet southeast of runway 36. The published decision altitude for the approach was 972 feet MSL. ## Witness Accounts One witness reported that the aircraft flew very low over her home and sounded like a motorcycle at full throttle at a steady constant rate. Another witness said the aircraft passed over his home about 40 to 50 feet above the trees with the engines running correctly. He observed the landing lights illuminate the treetops and then the woods before the aircraft collided with terrain. ## Weather Conditions Weather at the time of the accident included wind from 200 degrees at 6 knots gusting to 15 knots, visibility of 2 statute miles, a ceiling of 300 feet overcast, a temperature of 52 degrees F, and a dewpoint of 51 degrees F.