Accident Details
The pilot, who held an instrument rating, was executing a night instrument approach when the airplane struck the water. The published minimums for the area navigation/global positioning system approach required a 460-foot ceiling and one-mile visibility. Recorded air traffic control voice and radar data indicate that prior to the approach, the pilot turned to approximately a 180-degree heading and appeared to be heading toward another airport. The controller subsequently issued a new heading to intercept the final approach course.
Investigation Findings
The wreckage was located in the water about 5,000 feet from the runway threshold. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left main landing gear was retracted, while the right main and nose landing gear were extended. Examination of the left main landing gear actuator showed no mechanical anomalies. Investigators concluded that the pilot had likely just commanded the landing gear to the down position, and the gear was in transit at the time of impact. It is possible that, as the gear was moving, the airplane struck the water in a left-wing and nose-down attitude, forcing the left gear to a retracted position.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into water due to the pilot's improper descent below the published minimum descent altitude.