Accident Overview
The pilot was conducting an instrument landing system approach during night instrument meteorological conditions. The airplane descended toward the runway threshold to an altitude consistent with the approach decision height. A witness reported hearing the airplane overhead and assumed the pilot had performed a missed approach. The witness described the engine noise as "cruise power" and did not hear any unusual sounds. Shortly thereafter, the witness received a call from airport operations stating that an airplane had crashed.
Impact Location
The airplane impacted the ground about 1/4 mile to the left of the runway centerline, approximately 3,500 feet beyond the approach end of the runway.
Weather Conditions
A weather observation taken around the time of the accident recorded visibility of 1/2 statute mile in fog and an indefinite ceiling at 100 feet. The witness described the weather as thick fog and "pitch black."
Investigation Findings
Examination of the airplane did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. The probable cause of the accident was determined to be the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a missed approach, with fog and the night light conditions cited as factors.