Accident Overview
The accident occurred during the final approach phase of a VOR-A instrument approach. The airplane landed hard, collided with the runway visual approach slope indicator (VASI) display, and subsequently caught fire.
Flight Path
Radar vectors were provided for the approach, and the airplane was turned to a 20-degree intercept for the final approach course when 2.5 miles from the initial approach fix. Radar track data indicated that the airplane continued inbound slightly left of course, with ground speed varying between 135 and 125 knots and a descent rate of approximately 700 feet per minute.
Pilot Statements
The pilot reported descending through clouds at about 850 feet above ground level and sighting the airport approximately 1 to 2 miles ahead. He noted being left of the runway centerline and corrected to the right. Recognizing an overcorrection, he turned back to the left. The pilot stated that he felt the approach was stabilized, despite a descent rate greater than usual. He also reported no mechanical problems with the aircraft or navigation equipment prior to the accident.
Impact and Aftermath
The airplane impacted the ground about 1,000 feet from the approach end of the runway, abeam the air traffic control tower, on an approximate heading of 185 degrees. The impact collapsed the landing gear, and the airplane slid forward another 1,000 feet down the runway, coming to rest approximately midfield.
Weather Conditions
A Special Weather Observation taken at the time of the accident reported the following conditions: sky overcast at 500 feet; winds from 230 degrees at 3 knots; visibility 2 miles.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the failure of the pilot to establish and maintain a stabilized approach, which resulted in a hard landing and on-ground collision with the airport VASI display.