Accident Details
The aircraft was conducting a non-directional beacon (NDB) approach to runway 17. It was cleared for the approach at 2012 CST. Two minutes later, at 2014, the pilot canceled IFR and reported the airport in sight. Radar data indicates the aircraft was approximately 8 miles from the airport at the time of IFR cancellation.
Witness Accounts
A witness located about one mile south of the airport reported seeing the aircraft's lights through clouds, mist, and fog as it traveled south-southeast. Witnesses stated the visibility in the area was approximately one-eighth of a mile at the time of the accident.
Impact and Wreckage
The aircraft impacted the ground approximately 1.5 miles south of the departure end of runway 17. The impact heading was 035 degrees, and the aircraft was in a 10- to 15-degree left bank. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be an in-flight collision with terrain/water during a turn to reverse direction. Contributing factors included low ceiling, fog, poor in-flight planning/decision making by the pilot-in-command, failure to follow IFR procedures, failure to perform a missed approach, and failure to maintain proper altitude.
The official findings list the occurrence as "in flight collision with terrain/water" during the phase of operation "maneuvering - turn to reverse direction". Specific findings include: weather condition - low ceiling; weather condition - fog; in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command; IFR procedure - not followed - pilot in command; missed approach - not performed - pilot in command; proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command.