Accident Overview
On February 2, 2013, at approximately 1924 mountain standard time, a Cessna T210L, registration N8465L, collided with terrain short of the intended runway at Boise Air Terminal (BOI) in Boise, Idaho. The aircraft was being operated by Mat-Tech Engineering LLC under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a cross-country aerial survey flight. The flight had departed Twin Falls, Idaho, around 1530 with a planned destination of Boise. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan had been filed.
Occupants and Injuries
Both individuals on board—the commercial pilot and a pilot-rated passenger—sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage from impact forces.
Flight History and Pilot Experience
The pilot had been employed by the company for approximately two weeks. The pilot-rated passenger was on board to provide instruction on the use of the aerial survey equipment and to facilitate the pilot's familiarization with the particular airplane and its handling characteristics.
According to the pilot, the aircraft had a full fuel tank at departure. The planned survey work was expected to take 3.5 hours, but the actual work was completed in about 3 hours. The pilot-rated passenger was responsible for radio communications.
Weather and Approach
Prior to the approach, the pilot obtained the automated terminal information system (ATIS) weather and additionally queried approach control about conditions at the airport. The pilot expressed apprehension about the weather, but proceeded to Boise because no other nearby airport reporting weather was considered more suitable.
The pilot received an IFR clearance and was conducting an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 10R. As the aircraft neared decision height, the pilot observed a light that he believed was part of the airport environment and continued the approach. However, when he determined that the approach had become unstable, it was too late to execute a missed approach, and the landing occurred short of the runway.
Post-Accident Actions
Both the pilot and passenger exited the airplane safely under their own power. The pilot did not complete the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.