Accident Details
A single-engine airplane executing a night instrument approach to Runway 34 using the LDA/DME RWY 34 approach collided with trees. The collision occurred approximately 4 miles from the runway, on the approach path, with the aircraft in a wings-level attitude. Two surviving passengers provided accounts of the accident. One passenger reported that as the airplane descended below the clouds, it struck trees in foggy conditions. The other passenger stated that the pilot was 'punching numbers on a pad on the instrument panel' during a circling maneuver, and that they could not see the runway lights before the collision.
Environmental Conditions
The published minimums for the LDA/DME RWY 34 approach require an 800-foot ceiling and one-mile visibility. At the time of the accident, the reported ceiling was 400 feet. Passengers described fog at lower altitudes. Following the accident, the runway lighting was verified as operational. The instrument approach was later flight-checked by the FAA and deemed 'fully operational.'
Aircraft and Systems
An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies with the airframe or systems. The aircraft collided with trees short of the airport after the pilot disregarded the glide slope information and attempted to 'duck' under the prevailing fog to see the approach lights.
Pilot Actions
According to the investigation, the pilot disregarded the glide slope information and tried to descend below the fog layer to visually acquire the approach lights.