Background
The pilot departed from his home base in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions without filing a flight plan and did not request or receive a preflight or en route weather briefing from the FAA. While en route, he contacted Southern California TRACON (SOCAL) and requested an ILS runway 26 approach to the destination airport.
Accident Sequence
SOCAL cleared the pilot for the approach and instructed him to change to an advisory frequency. At the time, no current weather report was available at the airport because the tower was closed. However, another pilot on the same frequency reported that the airport weather was 'zero zero.' An automated weather observation system at the airport recorded 'zero zero' conditions near the time of the accident.
Ground witnesses heard the airplane as the pilot began a missed approach. However, the airplane collided with trees and a snack bar building about 1/4 mile northwest of the departure end of the runway. The impact occurred as the airplane was in a right turn through a heading of 345 degrees, which was the opposite direction of turn for the missed approach procedure.
Toxicology Findings
Toxicology tests of the pilot's blood showed 1.518 mcg/ml Fenfluramine and 0.678 mcg/ml Phentermine. These appetite suppressant drugs are chemically related to amphetamines and have a high incidence of abuse. Neither drug was approved by the FAA for use while flying aircraft. The amount of Fenfluramine in the pilot's blood was above a normal level for control of appetite.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs, his resultant improper planning/decision, his failure to follow proper IFR procedures, and his failure to maintain proper altitude during a missed approach. Factors relating to the accident were the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation and the adverse weather condition (below landing minimums).