What happened
Prior to the flight, the pilot obtained two weather briefings. The initial briefing process involved significant time spent identifying an alternate airport due to forecasts predicting Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), including fog, light snow, low ceilings, and potential freezing drizzle. Despite these conditions, the aircraft was operated in an environment for which it lacked certification regarding known icing.
During the arrival phase, the aircraft entered an overcast layer at 3,500 feet MSL. Shortly after entering the clouds, the pilot reported encountering freezing precipitation. The initial approach attempt was aborted near the final approach fix (FAF) and outer marker when the aircraft drifted half a mile to the right of the localizer course. Following vectors for a second ILS approach, the pilot received a low altitude alert from approach control.
While the pilot was instructed to maintain an altitude of 2,600 feet until reaching the FAF, the aircraft descended to 2,400 feet. During the descent from the FAF, the airspeed was noted to be significantly higher than standard parameters. The aircraft subsequently struck a non-residential building approximately one-third of a mile northeast of the runway 18 threshold. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed in the crash.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing factors related to the environmental conditions and flight execution. The aircraft encountered heavy weather, including snow, rain, fog, and low ceilings, which led to the accumulation of ice on the wings.
Key findings included:
- The pilot continued the flight into known adverse weather conditions.
- The operation began with identified deficiencies in the aircraft's equipment.
- The pilot's overconfidence in both the aircraft's capabilities and personal flying ability contributed to the loss of control.
- The accident occurred during a night approach characterized by icing conditions.