Accident Summary
An instrument-rated pilot received a preflight weather briefing that forecast a ceiling of 700 feet and visibility of 4 miles. After filing an instrument flight plan, the pilot flew uneventfully to the destination airport area, maintaining communication with air traffic control and following their instructions.
Approach and Terrain Impact
While executing a precision approach to runway 27, the airplane, approximately one mile from the runway threshold, flew left of the localizer course and descended below the decision height. The aircraft subsequently impacted mountainous terrain roughly one mile south of the airport. Weather at the time was oscillating above and below the minimums required for the instrument approach, which specified a ceiling of 200 feet and visibility of 3/4 mile.
Missed Approach Procedure
The published missed approach procedure for that approach called for a climb to 3,000 feet followed by a left climbing turn to 4,000 feet mean sea level.
Wreckage Examination
A post-impact examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. Additionally, the pilot did not report any mechanical issues to air traffic control during the flight.