Accident Overview
A pilot conducting a GPS approach to his home airport during night instrument meteorological conditions struck trees approximately 4 miles from the airport. The airplane was established on the inbound course and crossed the final approach fix at the required altitude of 2,200 feet. It then continued a gradual descent until impacting trees on the same heading as the inbound course.
Aircraft and Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had accumulated 683 hours of total flight experience, including 67 hours in actual instrument conditions. His most recent instrument proficiency check (IPC) was completed 5 months prior, during which he performed four instrument approaches in a simulator. None of these approaches were to the destination airport, which was also his home airport. Following the IPC, the pilot logged 8.4 hours of actual instrument flight time but did not log any instrument approaches.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather included overcast clouds at 300 feet, 1 mile visibility, temperature 6°C, and dew point 6°C. An employee of the fixed base operator at the airport reported that no other aircraft arrived at the airport on the day of the accident, describing conditions as "very foggy" all day.