Flight Details
While en route to Greensboro, the pilot flew past Shiloh and observed that weather at that airport was clear. However, from approximately 10 miles south of Shiloh, ground fog extended to the south. At 0634 EST, the pilot contacted Greensboro tower and was advised that the runway visual range (RVR) was 1,600 feet. The pilot's minimums were 1,800 feet. He held for a period of time, but the weather continued to deteriorate, prompting him to divert to the Rockingham County-Shiloh Airport, where no weather reporting facilities were available.
Approach and Go-Around
After being vectored over the alternate airport, the pilot was unable to obtain sufficient visual cues for a visual approach, so he elected to conduct an SDF (Simulated Data Fusion) approach. The pilot stated that when he reached the minimum descent altitude (MDA), he saw the runway and proceeded with a visual approach. As he continued, patchy fog began to obscure the runway. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft to keep the runway in sight and then elected to go around. However, as he began the go-around, the aircraft hit trees and crashed. The elevation of the crash site was approximately 700 feet. The MDA for the approach was 1,120 feet MSL.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was improper IFR procedure by the pilot and his failure to maintain the minimum descent altitude (MDA). Contributing factors were: low ceiling, fog, delayed missed approach by the pilot, and trees.