Accident Overview
An instrument-rated commercial pilot lost control of a twin-engine airplane while attempting to execute a missed approach following a Localizer (LOC) approach to runway 17R. The accident occurred while the airplane was operating in instrument meteorological conditions that were below the prescribed minimums for the approach. The airplane impacted east of runway 17R near the airport boundary on a heading of 345 degrees.
Flight Path Details
Radar data showed that the airplane remained right of the approach course throughout the instrument approach. The data indicated the airplane began a right turn at about 300 feet MSL, then turned left and initiated a climb. The airplane continued to a heading of 105 degrees, with altitudes between 300 and 800 feet before beginning a descent.
Witness Observations
Tower personnel observed the airplane disappear into the clouds. Witnesses on the ground saw the airplane emerge from the clouds in a high rate of descent with the left wing in a near-vertical attitude. One witness reported the airplane was at an altitude of 300–400 feet above the ground when it came out of the clouds. Another witness heard a low-flying aircraft and then observed a twin-engine airplane banking left out of the clouds, leveling out, and appearing to attempt a climb, but it was too low.
Weather Conditions
A weather observation taken approximately 2 minutes after the accident reported visibility of 1 3/4 statute miles with mist and an overcast ceiling at 300 feet. The approach minimums for the LOC 17R approach required a 500-foot or better ceiling and at least 1 mile visibility. Thus, the weather conditions were below the prescribed minimums.
Wreckage Examination
A detailed examination of the wreckage of the airplane and the engines did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical anomalies.