Accident Overview
The accident occurred as the pilot attempted a localizer approach to an airport. Weather at the destination was reported as 10 statute miles visibility, overcast clouds at 300 feet, and a temperature and dew point of 56 degrees Fahrenheit. The pilot was cleared for the approach.
Approach Attempts
During the first approach, about 11 miles from the runway, the pilot failed to intercept the final approach course. Air traffic control provided additional radar vectors to assist. About 6 miles prior to the runway threshold, the airplane intercepted the final approach course and began a descent. Twenty seconds later, the airplane made a right turn and began tracking parallel to the final approach course, approximately 1/2 mile west. The descent continued to 600 feet, about 5 miles from the runway threshold, where the pilot executed a missed approach and requested to "...go and try another one."
On the second approach, about 6 miles prior to the runway threshold, the pilot again intercepted the final approach course and began a descent. The airplane continued to track the final approach course. About 7 miles from the runway threshold, the airplane's last radar return was recorded at 700 feet.
Final Descent and Crash
The airplane came to rest on residential property approximately 6.5 miles from the runway threshold. A post-crash fire consumed the main wreckage. The elevation at the accident site was 717 feet.
Approach Procedure Details
Review of the published instrument approach procedure revealed that the final approach fix (FAF) was located 5 miles from the runway threshold with a minimum crossing altitude of 1,800 feet. The approach minimums were 1 statute mile visibility and a minimum descent altitude (MDA) of 720 feet.