Accident Overview
An airplane crashed into trees approximately half a mile from the approach end of runway 35 while conducting a precision instrument approach in night instrument meteorological conditions. The aircraft was being vectored for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach, as indicated by plotted radar data. The radar track showed the airplane flying above the glide path and to the right of the localizer course until radar contact was lost at 2,000 feet at 2338:34, about two and a half miles from the approach end of the runway.
Witness and Response
Around 2345, the Sheriff's office responded to telephone calls reporting a possible airplane crash. A witness described hearing an engine acceleration, followed by a thud, after which no engine sounds were heard.
Weather Conditions
The airport weather near the time of the accident included wind from 230 degrees at 5 knots, visibility of 1 statute mile, mist, and an overcast ceiling at 100 feet. The published decision height for the approach was 200 feet above ground level with a required visibility of half a mile.
Investigation Findings
A post-accident inspection of the ILS determined that the system was operating normally. The control tower did not record after-hour radio transmissions. An on-scene examination of the aircraft wreckage revealed no pre-impact anomalies. Review of data from an engine monitor showed a reduction in fuel flow consistent with a descent, followed by an increase in fuel flow consistent with a full power setting.