Accident Summary
During a missed approach to Aurora-Sugar Grove Airport, a twin-engine airplane descended in a left turn, causing the left wing to strike the ground first. The aircraft subsequently broke up and caught fire. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed in the accident.
Investigation Findings
Investigators found no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The accident occurred under dark night conditions with low ceiling, rain, and fog. The pilot had been flying under instrument flight rules (IFR) and initiated a missed approach before the loss of control. The investigation determined that the pilot improperly used the flight controls and was experiencing fatigue at the time of the accident.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was a loss of control during the missed approach due to the pilot's improper use of flight controls and fatigue, combined with adverse weather conditions including dark night, low ceiling, rain, and fog.