Accident Sequence
The pilot was conducting a localizer approach to runway 15. During the attempt to perform a missed approach, the pilot reported a loss of power in both engines. The airspeed decreased from 105 to 80 knots. The pilot stated he pushed the nose over to avoid a stall, broke out of the clouds over the midpoint of the runway, landed long, and continued off the end of the runway into terrain and a tower structure.
Witness Observations
A witness reported that the aircraft broke out of the clouds just above the trees north of runway 5 and west of runway 15. The witness described the aircraft as banking from right to left to get aligned with runway 5, flaps appearing up, and the landing gear down. The engines sounded to the witness as being at idle and at high rpm. The aircraft was estimated to be approximately 50 feet above the ground at midfield when it went out of sight behind a hangar.
Weather and Operational Conditions
The observed weather at the time included a ceiling of 100 feet overcast, visibility of 0.5 mile with fog and rain. The published landing minimums for the approach required a ceiling of 400 feet and visibility of 0.75 mile. Recorded radar data indicated a descent below the minimum descent altitude at a constant airspeed.
Postaccident Findings
During a postaccident check of the aircraft, both engines started immediately and ran normally.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the failure of the pilot to comply with the published instrument approach procedure by continuing the ILS approach below the decision height rather than performing a missed approach, and his failure to attain a proper touchdown point for the continued landing. Factors relating to the accident were: weather below approach minimums, wet runway, and hydroplaning conditions.