Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while conducting a GPS instrument approach to landing, he reached the decision altitude and initially saw the runway end identifier lights (REIL). He decided to continue the approach. Shortly thereafter, the lights disappeared and then reappeared. The pilot proceeded with the approach and landing, using the runway edge lights as a reference to align the airplane with the runway.
Landing and Damage
Upon touchdown, the airplane came to rest approximately 225 feet left of the runway surface. The airplane dug into snow and flipped over, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and tail. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause
According to the official findings, the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's improper decision to continue an instrument approach to landing following a loss of visual reference with the runway, which resulted in the airplane touching down left of the runway in snow and flipping over.