Accident Overview
The pilot of a single-engine airplane had received a weather briefing before departure. Upon nearing the destination airport, air traffic control cleared the pilot for the NDB approach. The pilot reported being inbound after the procedure turn. The published minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach was 1,300 feet mean sea level.
Weather and Communications
Witnesses on the airport reported heavy low fog at the time. They heard the pilot announce over the UNICOM frequency, "Oh there is fog rolling into Starkville too?" One witness advised the pilot that they could proceed to another airport due to the fog. The pilot responded that he would execute the approach.
Impact and Post-Crash Fire
The witnesses then heard the engines operating at full power, followed by the sound of impact and saw a fireball. The airplane struck the runway in an inverted attitude, slid across the runway surface, and came to rest in the grass off the runway. A post-crash fire engulfed and destroyed the airplane.
Evidence of Tree Contact
Investigators found evidence of tree contact approximately 972 feet northwest of the runway impact location. This contact had separated about 51 inches of the left wing.
Mechanical Examination
Examination of the engines, propellers, and flight controls revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The NDB was checked after the accident; no discrepancies were noted.
Pilot Background
The pilot had twice failed the airline transport pilot (ATP) checkride. The designated examiner of the second failed flight test indicated that the pilot was marginal in all flight operations.