Overview
On a night approach to Manitowoc Municipal Airport, an aircraft crashed short of the runway under limited visibility conditions. The pilot descended to an insufficient altitude, leading to a collision with terrain.
Accident Details
The accident occurred during the final approach phase, with visibility reported at 2 miles. The aircraft struck the ground about one mile from the runway threshold. The pilot was operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) at the time.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot suffered serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact and ensuing crash.
Probable Cause
According to official findings, the probable cause was a controlled collision with the ground during final approach, resulting from improper IFR operation. Contributing factors included fog and visibility of 2 miles or less.