Accident Overview
An on-demand air taxi airplane collided with trees and terrain during a third attempt at an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach. The accident occurred approximately two miles beyond the airport, on the extended centerline of the landing runway.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that during the first approach to the airport, he saw the runway and observed vehicles on the taxiway as he executed a missed approach. When asked about the reason for the second missed approach, the pilot stated it was due to instrument fluctuations on his course direction indicator. During this period, the pilot requested that the runway lights be set to high intensity because he could not see them. The lights were verified as being set for high intensity. The pilot did not remember anything of the third approach after passing the outer marker. Snow removal operations were in progress at the airport during the time the accident airplane was making approaches.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the pilot disregarding the published decision height and not performing a missed approach.