What happened
On June 10, 2018, a Cessna T182T, registration N1880B, was destroyed following a collision with trees and terrain near Monroe Municipal Airport (EFT) in Monroe, Wisconsin. The flight was a personal, cross-country operation under instrument flight rules, originating from Kenosha Regional Airport (ENW).
While flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the pilot requested an RNAV (GPS) Runway 3'0 approach into EFT. Air traffic control instructed the pilot to proceed to the GENZU initial approach fix due to weather southeast of Janesville. The pilot was later instructed to cross GENZU at 3,000 feet and was cleared for the approach. During the approach, the pilot indicated a desire to proceed to Rockford International Airport (RFD) in the event of a missed approach, but later notified the controller of an intention to return to ENW. The controller provided missed approach instructions to climb and maintain 4,000 feet on a heading of 090°.
After being instructed to switch to the airport common traffic advisory frequency, the pilot ceased all communications. Radar data showed the aircraft passing the XOTIY intermediate approach fix and the ZEBRU final approach fix. At 12:01:06, the final radar position placed the aircraft 1.90 nautical miles southeast of the runway 30 approach threshold at 1,700 feet. Radar contact was subsequently lost.
A witness near the site reported hearing a high-pitched sound similar to aerobatic maneuvers, followed by observing a fireball and hearing an explosion. The aircraft crashed in a wooded ravine approximately 1/2 mile north of the runway 30 departure threshold. The pilot and three passengers were 4 fatal.
The investigation
Post-accident examinations of the engine and airframe showed no anomalies consistent with a pre-impact failure or malfunction. While it could not be determined if the autopilot was engaged, the flight track was consistent with autopilot use during portions of the approach. However, the location of the wreckage relative to the published missed approach procedure suggested a right turn was executed instead of the published left turn, indicating the pilot may have been flying manually or using the autopilot in heading mode.
Findings
Investigators determined that the pilot likely experienced spatial disorientation during the missed approach phase. The investigation noted that the cloud ceiling was below the minimum descent altitude for the approach, and the pilot's decision to execute the approach in weather conditions below minimums contributed to the accident.