What happened
Following a departure under visual flight rules (VFR), the pilot proceeded toward the intended destination but encountered heavy fog upon arrival. To facilitate a safe landing, the pilot requested and received an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance to perform an ILS approach at an alternative airport.
During the final stages of the approach, the aircraft was observed emerging from the cloud layer at approximately 100 feet above ground level. At this low altitude, the aircraft entered a left bank accompanied by a yawing motion. The flight ended when the plane struck the ground short of the runway and to the left of the centerline. A fire broke out following the impact, causing partial destruction of the wreckage.
Findings
An inspection of the aircraft's engines and propellers showed no evidence of mechanical failure prior to the accident. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was killed in the crash. The investigation focused on the aircraft's flight path during the transition from instrument conditions to visual contact.