Flight History
An instrument-rated private pilot was returning to his home airport after attending a meeting at another location. At the departure airport, the pilot filed an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan, activated it, and departed. After reaching his assigned altitude, he requested and received a direct clearance to his destination from air traffic control. Before arriving at his home airport, the pilot requested to leave the frequency temporarily to obtain NOTAMs and weather conditions for his destination.
Weather Conditions
The weather at the arrival airport included a 200-foot overcast ceiling and 5 miles visibility with light rain and mist.
Approach and Witness Observations
The pilot requested the instrument landing system (ILS) approach for landing. An air traffic controller issued vectors to the ILS final approach course and cleared the pilot to change off their frequency. Witnesses at the airport reported hearing and seeing the airplane break out of the clouds, fly over the runway about 100 feet above ground level (agl), and then disappear back into the clouds. Two witnesses stated that the engine sounded as if it were at full power, and another witness reported hearing the engine "revving" as it flew overhead.
Accident Sequence
Shortly after the airplane was seen over the airport, it struck a line of 80-foot tall trees about 3,600 feet north-northwest of the airport. Subsequently, it impacted the ground and a large tree near a residence.
Missed Approach Procedure
The published missed approach procedures required the pilot to climb the airplane to an altitude of 2,000 feet mean sea level (msl), or about 900 feet agl, while flying the runway heading. Upon reaching 2,000 feet msl, the pilot was required to begin a left turn to the northwest and then continue climbing to 3,300 feet msl.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane, the engine, and other airplane systems revealed no anomalies that would have precluded the airplane from being able to fully perform in a climb during the missed approach.
Probable Cause
It is likely that the pilot lost airplane control after initiating a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions. Although it is possible that the pilot may have experienced spatial disorientation, there was insufficient evidence to conclude that spatial disorientation contributed to the accident.