Accident Overview
On the approach, the aircraft was conducting an ILS approach in instrument meteorological conditions. The accident occurred one mile short of the runway. During a post-accident interview, the pilot stated that he did not recognize and react in a timely manner to a gross deviation at the decision height. He continued descending until striking the ground short of the runway.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation identified the following findings:
- Weather condition: fog
- Weather condition: low ceiling
- IFR procedure: improper – pilot in command
- Procedures/directives: not followed – pilot in command
- Planned approach: not followed – pilot in command
- Decision height: disregarded – pilot in command
- Overconfidence in personal ability: pilot in command (factor)
- Light condition: dark night (factor)
The occurrence was classified as an undershoot during the phase of operation from the final approach fix/outer marker to threshold (IFR).
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the official findings, includes the pilot in command's improper IFR procedure, failure to follow procedures/directives, disregard of the decision height, and failure to follow the planned approach. Contributing factors were fog, low ceiling, dark night, and overconfidence in personal ability.