Approach and Missed Approach
The flight was cleared for the ILS approach to runway 5R. While at mid runway, at 2,100 feet, heading 049 degrees, and 163 knots, the pilot declared a missed approach. He was instructed to maintain 2,000 feet and fly runway heading. Radar showed N41003 beginning a right turn, flying away from the airport/VOR, and descending.
Descent and Loss of Contact
At a point 0.57 miles from the airport/VOR, the aircraft had descended to 1,500 feet, was turning right, and increasing speed. The descent covered 400 feet over approximately 0.32 miles in 10 seconds. Radio and radar contact were lost when the aircraft was 2.35 miles from the airport/VOR, level at 1,600 feet, on a heading of 123 degrees, at 169 knots.
Published Procedures and Weather
The published decision height was 620 feet MSL, and minimum visibility was 1/2 mile. The published missed approach procedure was: "Climb to 1,000 [feet], then climbing right turn to 2,500 [feet] via heading 130 degrees, and RDU R-087 to ZEBUL Int and hold." Reported weather included winds 050 at 5 knots, visibility 1/2 statute mile, fog and drizzle, overcast ceiling 100 feet, temperature and dew point 11°C, and altimeter 30.30 inHg.
Witness and Pilot Experience
A witness reported the aircraft flying low, with power in a cruise configuration and maintaining the same sound until impact. The pilot had 10 total flight hours in this make and model, 33 total night hours, and 59 total instrument flight hours.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation, while performing a missed approach, resulting in an uncontrolled descent, and subsequent impact with a tree and a house. Factors: dark night, fog, drizzle, the pilot's lack of total instrument time, and his lack of total experience in this type of aircraft.