Incident Overview
During a night visual-flight-rules flight, the pilot was on final approach to Runway 17. As the airplane descended, it entered a fog bank approximately 50 feet above the ground. The pilot lost all visual reference and immediately applied full throttle to execute a go-around. However, the descent could not be arrested in time, and the airplane impacted the ground short of the runway. Upon impact, the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that no mechanical anomalies with the airplane were observed prior to the accident. The aircraft's performance and systems were functioning normally throughout the approach until the encounter with the fog.
Environmental Conditions
The accident occurred during nighttime conditions. The presence of a fog bank at low altitude, specifically around 50 feet above the ground, created a sudden loss of visual cues for the pilot during the critical phase of landing.
Sequence of Events
- The pilot was on final approach to Runway 17 under night VFR.
- At approximately 50 feet AGL, the airplane entered a fog bank, causing the pilot to lose all visual reference.
- The pilot applied full throttle to initiate a go-around.
- The descent continued, and the airplane impacted the ground short of the runway.
- The airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage.
Damage Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage due to the impact and subsequent nose-over. Specific damage items are not detailed in the source.
Probable Cause
No probable cause is stated in the source.