Accident
On the night of the accident, an instrument-rated commercial pilot was conducting an ILS Runway 19 instrument approach in actual instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). According to radar data, the airplane decelerated, lost altitude, and descended when it was about 1.5 miles from the airport. The airplane collided with terrain in an attitude consistent with a loss of control and a stall, coming to rest upright in a plowed field.
Flight Path and Performance
Radar data revealed that the airplane approached from the north and was never stabilized during the approach. When approximately 7 miles from the airport, its altitude was 1,800 feet mean sea level (msl) at a ground speed of 76 knots. About two minutes later, as it crossed the final approach fix about 4.5 miles north of the airport, the altitude was 2,100 feet msl at 78 knots. At about 2.3 miles north, the airplane was at 900 feet msl and 81 knots. It then momentarily ascended to 1,100 feet msl while maintaining 81 knots. Over the next 30 seconds, the altitude descended to 600 feet msl and ground speed decelerated to 59 knots before data ended. The published minimum approach speed for this airplane is 89 knots.
Witness Observations
A witness driving on a road south of the accident site reported seeing the airplane from the right side window. The lights appeared hazy and not as bright as those on other aircraft landing at the airport. Shortly after seeing the lights, he observed an explosion behind a tree line. The witness described the weather as low overcast, fog, rain sprinkles, and mist. The cloud layer was above the treetops, visibility was approximately 0.5 to 1 mile, and conditions were very dark. The reported weather at the airport was two miles visibility with a 200-foot overcast ceiling and fog.
Investigation
Examination of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical deficiencies. A review of the pilot's logbook indicated he was not current for flight into IMC, and his FAA medical certificate privileges had expired about eight months prior. A postaccident toxicological examination was consistent with recent use of marijuana, phentermine (a prescription stimulant), and promethazine (a prescription antihistamine).