Incident Description
A pilot operating a cargo flight from Sacramento to Reno received an instrument clearance to perform a Localizer DME-1 approach to Runway 16R, a procedure previously approved by the FAA for the operator's use. The localizer centerline passed over a 6,161-foot mean sea level (msl) mountain, which was depicted on the approach chart. The pilot was familiar with the area, having transported cargo along this route five days each week since December 1994. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) existed, with light snow showers present.
Air traffic control (ATC) issued a series of instructions as the pilot was radar vectored toward the final approach fix (FAF), which had a minimum crossing altitude of 6,700 feet msl. During the readback of four of these instructions, the pilot misstated the information, and ATC corrected the readback each time. After issuing the landing clearance, ATC lost contact with the pilot.
The aircraft impacted the mountainside at an elevation of approximately 6,050 feet msl while tracking inbound near the centerline of the localizer course, about 2.7 nautical miles before reaching the FAF.
Investigation Findings
An examination of the airframe, engine, and avionics equipment revealed no mechanical malfunctions. The investigation focused on the pilot's actions during the approach.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to comply with published instrument approach procedures by a premature descent below the minimum altitude specified for the approach.