Accident Overview
During a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions, an aircraft on an IFR flight plan collided with a hilltop. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported establishing visual contact at about 2,000 feet msl, but ground features were masked by snow. When the airport was not sighted at the expected time, a missed approach was initiated. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck the ground.
Findings
Investigation revealed that the VOR course indicator (OBS) was set to 222° instead of the published inbound heading of 202°. The resulting course passed directly over the accident site. The aircraft's low altitude prevented radar observation.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause identified the in-flight collision with terrain during the missed approach, with findings that the pilot in command conducted inaccurate procedures/directives, performed an inaccurate IFR procedure, and failed to correct equipment settings.