What happened
During the final stages of a VOR-A instrument approach, the aircraft was following radar vectors and transitioned to a 20-degree intercept for the final approach course. Approximately 2.5 miles from the initial approach fix, radar tracking indicated the aircraft was flying slightly left of the prescribed course with a ground speed ranging from 125 to 135 knots and a descent rate of roughly 700 feet per minute.
As the aircraft descended through the cloud layer at approximately 850 feet above ground level, the pilot observed the airport roughly 1 to 2 miles ahead. The pilot attempted to correct a position left of the runway centerline but subsequently overcorrected, turning back toward the left. Although the pilot noted the descent rate was higher than normal, the approach was believed to be stabilized.
The aircraft impacted the ground about 1,000 feet before the runway threshold, positioned level with the air traffic control tower on a heading of approximately 185 degrees. The force of the impact caused the landing gear to collapse. The aircraft then slid 1,000 feet further down the runway, coming to a stop near the midfield point. During the excursion, the plane struck the VASI display and caught fire. At the time of the event, weather conditions included an overcast ceiling at 500 feet and visibility of 2 miles.
Findings
Prior to the accident, the pilot reported no issues with the aircraft's mechanical systems or navigation instruments. The accident occurred during the final approach phase of flight.