Accident Overview
An airplane, piloted by an instrument-rated private pilot, was destroyed following impact with trees and terrain. The accident occurred while the aircraft was being vectored during a missed approach. An instrument flight plan was on file and had been activated. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the destination airport at the time of the accident, but instrument conditions were reported at approach altitudes.
Flight Details
During a transmission with an air traffic controller, the pilot stated he was "disorientated" and confirmed that the "trouble" was not with the airplane. Plotted radar data indicated that the airplane descended below the altitudes to which it was being vectored, as well as below published altitudes for the precision approach. The controller cancelled the approach clearance and issued a missed approach clearance to climb. Radar data further showed that the airplane performed an undirected 360-degree turn while being vectored, and another undirected turn near the accident site.
Pilot Information
The pilot had accumulated 366 hours of total flight time, including 29.1 hours of night flight time, 54.1 hours of simulated instrument flight time, and 14.3 hours of actual instrument flight time. In the six months preceding the accident, he logged 3.9 hours of actual instrument flight time and four instrument approaches. The pilot's logbook did not contain an instrument competency check.
Weather and Investigation
Recorded weather at the destination airport included wind from 210 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 9 statute miles, sky condition few clouds at 500 feet and overcast at 1,800 feet, temperature 16 degrees Celsius, dew point 14 degrees Celsius, and altimeter 29.95 inches of mercury. Remarks noted that drizzle began approximately 27 minutes before the accident and ended about 16 minutes before the accident. An on-scene investigation was conducted, and no airframe or engine pre-impact anomalies were detected.