Accident
The aircraft was on a second attempt for an instrument approach to runway 19 after a missed approach on the first attempt. The pilot last reported over the initial approach fix (IAF), 9 miles north of the airport. The aircraft collided with a mountain at an elevation of 1,700 feet, located 5 miles south of the airport. The wreckage was oriented on a 190° magnetic heading and near the extended centerline of runway 19.
Aircraft and Environment
The landing gear and flaps were found extended. Examination of the aircraft disclosed no evidence of malfunction. The minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach is 1,680 feet MSL. The missed approach procedure is a climbing right turn to 5,000 feet direct to the IAF. The airport is surrounded by mountains.
Investigation
Both occupants were killed. The official investigation determined that weather conditions included low ceiling, and terrain conditions were high and mountainous/hilly.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was stated as: (1) in flight collision with terrain/water during approach, with findings that the pilot in command did not follow IFR procedure and did not perform the missed approach. Contributing factors included low ceiling and high/mountainous terrain.