What happened
An instrument-rated private pilot was operating a flight under instrument flight rules (IFR) to return to his home airport following a business meeting. After reaching the assigned altitude, the pilot received clearance from air traffic control to proceed directly to the destination. Prior to arrival, the pilot requested updated weather information and NOTAMs, noting that the destination airport was experiencing light rain, mist, and a 2-00-foot overcast ceiling with 5 miles of visibility.
Upon approaching the airport, the pilot requested an instrument landing system (ILS) approach. Air traffic control provided vectors to the final approach course and cleared the pilot to transition to off-frequency communications. During the approach, witnesses observed the aircraft descend through the cloud layer to approximately 100 feet above ground level (agl) before disappearing back into the overcast. Observers noted the engine sounded as though it was at full power or revving during this period.
Shortly after being seen over the airport, the aircraft struck a line of trees measuring 80 feet in height, located approximately 3,600 feet north-northwest of the airfield. The aircraft then impacted the ground and a large tree situated near a residential area.
Findings
Investigations into the aircraft systems, including the engine and mechanical components, found no malfunctions that would have prevented the plane from completing a climb. The published missed approach procedure for the airport required the pilot to climb to 2,000 feet mean sea level (msl) on the runway heading before initiating a left turn toward the northwest. The pilot likely lost control of the aircraft after initiating a missed approach while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. While spatial disorientation was considered a possibility, investigators found no definitive evidence to confirm it as a contributing factor.