Accident Details
A Cessna 551 was involved in an accident at Crisp County Airport in Cordele, Georgia, after executing a missed approach to runway 10. The aircraft collided with trees and subsequently the ground.
Flight Path and Communication
According to the Jacksonville Air Traffic Control Center, the pilot received radar vectors to the outer marker and was cleared for the non-precision localizer approach to runway 10. Recorded radar data indicated the airplane initiated the approach at 1,900 feet mean sea level (MSL), as published. The airplane descended to 600 feet MSL, as published, and overflew the airport. The controller stated that he was waiting for the missed approach call as he observed the airplane climb to 700 feet MSL. The airplane then descended back to 600 feet MSL and disappeared from radar. The controller never received a missed approach call.
Witness Report
A witness near the airport reported hearing the airplane fly over but did not see it due to haze and fog.
Probable Cause
The official findings state that the probable cause was the pilot's failure to follow the published missed approach procedures, and to maintain proper altitude. Factors contributing to the severity of the accident were the low ceilings and trees.