Incident Overview
The accident occurred during a missed approach procedure when the pilot deviated from the published missed approach path. The pilot reported encountering severe to extreme turbulence upon reaching the missed approach point and feared the aircraft might stall if executing the required right turn. Consequently, the pilot initiated a left turn at 15 DME, despite the missed approach point being at 11.5 DME, citing higher terrain to the right. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees on a mountain approximately 3 miles east of the airport.
Flight Conditions and Navigation
Weather analysis indicated conditions conducive to light to moderate turbulence, not severe to extreme turbulence. Pilots who landed or departed before and after the accident reported experiencing only light to moderate chop. Radar data showed the aircraft's speed between the initial approach fix (IAF) and final approach fix (FAF) was 183.1 knots; between the FAF and the missed approach point, speed dropped to 95.7 knots.
The pilot stated he referred to a current commercial instrument approach chart during the approach. However, only an obsolete government instrument approach book was found in the aircraft. Additionally, the radios were not tuned to the missed approach navigation aids.
Statements and Findings
A pilot-rated passenger aboard reported that the pilot panicked after encountering turbulence. Official findings identified the probable cause as the pilot's improper IFR procedure. Contributing factors included moderate turbulence, low ceilings, obscuration, and snow. The collision with trees occurred in mountainous terrain during the missed approach phase.
Probable Cause
Pilot's improper ifr procedure.