Flight Preparation
The pilot contacted an Automated Flight Service Station at approximately 0730 on the morning of the flight for a weather briefing. The briefer informed him that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended and that instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) were expected along the route until at least 1200. The briefer stated that the ceiling at the pilot’s destination, Washington Municipal Airport (AWG) in Washington, Iowa, would probably be 2,000 feet overcast at best later in the day. The pilot decided to delay the flight until later in the day.
In-Flight Events
At 1600, the pilot departed Tulsa, Oklahoma, without obtaining another weather briefing. He requested and was receiving flight following during the flight. The pilot reported that while en route he intended to stop for fuel; however, the airport was IMC so he decided to continue to his destination. Upon reaching AWG, he determined that the weather was IMC and diverted to the Cedar Rapids-Eastern Iowa (CID) Airport, where he requested emergency assistance. The approach controller offered a VFR airport in Minnesota, but the pilot stated he did not have enough fuel to reach it.
Accident Sequence
The pilot stated he had practiced instrument landing system (ILS) approaches during a flight review. The controller gave the pilot vectors and a frequency for the ILS runway 27 approach at CID. The pilot stated he flew a course of about 280 degrees because of the winds and attempted to maintain the glideslope, but he became confused by the glideslope needle. The airplane contacted the terrain about 2 miles east of the airport. The pilot received minor injuries and was able to call for help using his cell phone. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.