Accident Overview
On approach to Milwaukee-General Billy Mitchell Airport, occurring at night under marginal weather conditions, a twin-engine airplane struck approach lights. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was insufficient. After hitting the approach lights, the airplane lost height, struck a fence, and came to rest near the runway threshold. The pilot sustained injuries, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Contributing Factors
According to the official investigation, the accident was attributed to an undershoot and collision with approach lights during the final approach due to improper IFR operation. Several contributing factors were identified: an incorrect altimeter setting, misjudged distance and altitude, low ceiling, rain, and fog. The altimeter was found to be set such that it would indicate an altitude 180 feet higher than the actual altitude, leading the pilot to believe the aircraft was higher than it truly was.
Circumstances
The approach was conducted at night with reduced visibility due to low ceiling, rain, and fog. The pilot, operating under instrument flight rules (IFR), misjudged the aircraft's position relative to the runway. The incorrect altimeter setting further compounded the error, causing the aircraft to descend below the intended glide path. The aircraft struck the approach lights, subsequently hitting a fence before coming to a stop near the runway threshold. The pilot was injured, but no other occupants were on board. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, rendering it beyond economical repair.