What happened
While performing an ILS runway 27R approach into the Oakland International Airport area, the pilot of the aircraft descended below the required altitude. Air traffic control observed the aircraft passing through 2,900 feet MSL and issued a low-altitude alert, notifying the pilot that the aircraft should be at 3,300 feet. Although the pilot acknowledged the warning, the controller subsequently canceled the approach clearance and instructed an immediate climb to 3,300 feet.
Following this interaction, the aircraft struck a ridge located roughly 15 miles east of the airport at an elevation of approximately 1,000 feet. There were no mechanical failures or malfunctions identified in the aircraft prior to the impact. The pilot, who was the only person on board, sustained fatal injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary cause was the failure of the pilot to adhere to instrument flight rules (IFR) by not maintaining the required minimum descent altitude for that specific segment of the approach. Several environmental factors contributed to the circumstances of the crash, including:
- Low visibility caused by fog and low cloud ceilings
- The presence of mountainous terrain near the flight path
- Improper execution of IFR procedures by the pilot in command