Background
The aircraft was cleared for a night instrument landing system (ILS) approach. The destination airport's control tower had closed for the night, and the flight was advised at closing that fog was forming and subsequently informed of the fog. The next morning, the aircraft was found on a remote part of the airport with its emergency locator transmitter (ELT) activated, though the signal was weak due to crash damage.
Accident Sequence
A passenger reported never seeing runway lights, only taxi lights, and stated that the pilot attempted to perform a go-around. The landing gear was retracted prematurely, and the aircraft struck a level grassy area in a near-level attitude. The passenger was crouched in the aisle next to the pilot, helping him locate the runway, but was not wearing restraining belts. The pilot was not wearing a shoulder harness. No published approach plate for the ILS procedure for that runway was found in the aircraft.
Investigation Findings
Toxicological analysis revealed the pilot had 3 mcg/ml of dextromethorphan, an ingredient found in over-the-counter cold remedies, in his blood. According to the report, blood levels of this substance greater than 0.1 mcg/ml are sufficient to cause drowsiness. The official investigation identified multiple factors contributing to the accident.