Accident Details
The pilot of an aircraft requested an instrument approach to an airport and informed approach control that he did not have an approach plate for the airport. Approach control cleared the aircraft for an NDB (non-directional beacon) approach to runway 24 and read the approach information to the pilot.
When the pilot reported procedure turn inbound, approach control advised him that he was approximately four miles south of the final approach course and provided a new heading to correct back to the airport. Subsequently, radar contact was lost over the airport but reappeared about half a mile west of the airport, with the aircraft appearing to make a turn back towards the airport.
The wreckage was found about four miles west of the airport. Both occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation identified the occurrence as an in-flight collision with terrain/water during the missed approach phase of an IFR (instrument flight rules) flight. The following findings were documented:
- The pilot in command conducted inadequate preflight planning and preparation.
- The pilot in command did not obtain a preflight briefing service.
- Weather conditions included fog and low ceiling.
- The pilot in command performed an improper IFR procedure.
- The pilot in command did not follow the missed approach procedure.
These findings collectively describe the circumstances leading to the accident.