What happened
The pilot contacted Florence Regional Airport (FLO) tower personnel to request current weather conditions and radar vectors for a GPS runway 5 approach to Darlington Jetport Airport (UDG). Tower personnel cleared the aircraft for the approach and established the pilot on the 050 radial inbound to the airport.
Approximately 6 miles from UDG, the control tower cleared the pilot to land, terminated radar service, and instructed a changeover to the UDG UNICOM frequency. While approximately 4 miles from the airport inside the final approach fix (UMAGE), the pilot reported a missed approach, executed a left turn, and began a descent to 1,400 feet.
Tower personnel contacted the pilot to inquire if the airport was in sight; the pilot responded negatively. The aircraft continued its descent until it disappeared from radar. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees and was located by emergency responders in a field off a small private road.
The investigation
An examination of the airframe, instruments, flight controls, engine assembly, and accessories revealed no evidence of any pre-crash mechanical failure or malfunction.