What happened
While conducting an ILS DME approach toward runway 17L, the aircraft entered a layer of dense fog, causing it to become invisible to tower controllers. Simultaneously, the flight crew lost all radio contact and radar tracking was interrupted. Following a search lasting approximately 31 minutes, airport operations staff located the aircraft positioned roughly halfway down the runway, situated 600 feet east of the pavement.
Upon discovery, investigations revealed that the aircraft had not made contact with the runway surface. The aircraft configuration at the time of the incident showed that the landing gear remained in the up position while the flaps were extended. Under standard missed approach protocols, pilots are required to retract both the flaps and the landing gear after initiating a go-around.
Findings
Technical inspections of the aircraft revealed no signs of mechanical failure or system malfunctions. The investigation determined that the primary reason for the incident was the pilot's failure to adhere to IFR procedures and maintain the required minimum descent altitude. Environmental conditions, specifically the presence of fog, acted as a contributing factor during the approach.