Accident Overview
The accident occurred when an airplane, conducting a non-directional beacon (NDB) approach, descended to 2,600 feet to the NDB and began the approach after crossing it. As the airplane descended below 1,500 feet mean sea level (MSL), radar contact was lost. The next communication from the pilot reported initiating the missed approach.
Flight Details
The published missed approach procedure required a climbing turn to 2,700 feet, direct to the CPP NDB, and a hold. During the following one minute and 24 seconds, the airplane made a series of turns while its altitude varied but never climbed above 1,700 feet. The wreckage was located approximately 3.5 miles north of the airport on a 345-degree heading, on the opposite side of the outbound course to the NDB. Witnesses in the immediate area reported hearing the airplane flying low over their homes but could not see it due to foggy conditions. A review of the pilot's records revealed no fixed-wing airplane experience.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the pilot's failure to adhere to the missed approach procedure, resulting in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors were fog and the rotorcraft-rated pilot's lack of fixed-wing certification and experience.