Accident Overview
During an ILS approach in night instrument meteorological conditions, the airplane impacted terrain and was destroyed by impact forces and post-crash fire. The accident site was located on a hilly, grass field at an elevation of 6,120 feet, approximately 2.6 nautical miles from the runway threshold near the extended centerline.
Sequence of Events
Prior to departure, the pilot obtained a weather briefing, which reported light rain, mist, and instrument meteorological conditions at the destination airport. After approaching the terminal area, the pilot received radar vectors to intercept the localizer for the Runway 35R ILS approach. During the approach, the pilot's keying of the microphone and timing of his speech exhibited decreased coordination. After crossing the outer marker at an altitude of 7,700 feet, the pilot asked the controller for the current ceilings at the airport, and the controller stated 500 feet. At an altitude of 6,800 feet, the controller informed the pilot of a "low altitude alert" warning, to which the pilot responded, "Yeah, I am a bit low here." Approximately 20 seconds later, the pilot stated, "I'm back on glideslope." No further communications were received. The controller issued another low altitude warning, and the radar target was lost.
Weather Conditions
At 2027, the weather conditions at the airport were reported as wind from 360 degrees at 10 knots, visibility 2 statute miles with decreasing rain, scattered clouds at 500 feet, broken clouds at 1,100 feet, and an overcast ceiling at 2,800 feet.
Pilot Information
An acquaintance of the pilot, who had flown with him on other occasions, stated that "a night ILS in IFR conditions would not be [the pilot's] first choice if he had an option." The pilot's logbooks were not located. The pilot did not hold a valid medical certificate at the time of the accident, and postaccident toxicological testing revealed the presence of unreported prescription medications.
Aircraft and Equipment
No anomalies were noted with the airframe and engines. Ground inspection and flight testing of the airport's navigational equipment revealed that the equipment functioned satisfactorily.