What happened
During a cross-country flight conducted in instrument meteorological conditions, the pilot was navigating an instrument approach under air traffic control guidance. The controller provided vectors for an ILS approach to runway 28R, with instructions to eventually circle to land on runway 23. During the descent, the controller noted the aircraft was drifting right of the localizer course. Although the pilot, operating aircraft 22G, indicated they were correcting the course, the aircraft failed to track the localizer. Consequently, the approach clearance was canceled, and the pilot was instructed to climb to 3,000 feet.
As the pilot acknowledged the new altitude, the controller issued a low altitude alert and provided the minimum vectoring altitude for the area. Surveillance data indicated the aircraft was flying on a northwesterly heading at 2,400 feet. Despite several subsequent instructions to climb to 4,000 feet and then 5,000 feet, the aircraft's altitude fluctuated between 2,500 and 3,500 feet. When questioned about their altitude, the pilot reported being at 2,500 feet. Following this, the controller issued another low altitude alert and ordered an expedited climb.
After this final instruction, the pilot ceased all radio communications. ADS-B data tracked the aircraft reaching a peak altitude of 3,500 feet before entering a descending right turn. The aircraft entered a rapid descent of approximately 5,000 feet per minute. The final recorded position was at 900 feet altitude, northwest of the crash site. The impact destroyed the aircraft type and two houses. The crash resulted in two fatalities, including the pilot and a truck driver, and two injuries to individuals on the ground.
Findings
- The pilot failed to maintain the assigned altitude despite multiple instructions to climb.
- The aircraft experienced a rapid descent rate of 5,000 feet per minute prior to impact.