What happened
During a scheduled night flight conducted under instrument meteorological conditions, the pilot was cleared for an ILS 24 approach. At the time of arrival, the destination area was experiencing haze, 1/2 statute mile visibility, and winds of 220 degrees at 18 knots with gusts up to 25 knots. As the aircraft intercepted the glideslope approximately 4 miles from the runway threshold, the pilot encountered significant turbulence and a strong wind component from the right.
While the approach lights became visible briefly, the low visibility caused them to disappear as the aircraft continued the descent. Radar data indicates that over a period of 2 minutes and 30 seconds, the aircraft fluctuated around the glideslope centerline up to four times, with a maximum downward deviation of 2 dots. Approximately 1 mile from the runway, the aircraft began a steady descent below the glideslope. The final radar contact recorded the aircraft at an altitude of roughly 300 feet.
Upon reaching the point of initiating a missed approach, the pilot applied full power, at which point the aircraft drifted laterally to the left. During this maneuver, an impact was heard on the left side of the fuselage, and the aircraft subsequently descended into a forest. The wreckage was located in a wooded area approximately 1/4 mile from the Runway 24 threshold, positioned about 1,000 feet to the left of the extended centerline.
Findings
- The flight was operating under night IMC with limited visibility and haze.
- The aircraft experienced significant-turbulence and lateral drift during the approach.
- The aircraft descended below the established glideslope altitude prior to the final radar contact.
- Ground speed during the approach was inconsistent, ranging from 50 to 125 knots.