What happened
During an ILS approach to runway 5R, the crew of N410 and the aircraft type initiated a missed approach procedure. At the time the pilot declared the missed approach, the aircraft was positioned at the middle of the runway at an altitude of 2,100 feet, traveling at 163 knots on a heading of 049 degrees. Following instructions to maintain 2,000 feet and follow the runway heading, radar tracking indicated that N41003 began a right-hand turn away from the airport and the VOR while descending.
As the flight continued, the aircraft reached an altitude of 1,500 feet while 0.57 miles from the airport/VOR, at which point it was turning right and accelerating. The descent continued, with the aircraft covering approximately 0.32 miles in a 10-second interval. Shortly before communication and radar tracking were lost, the aircraft was recorded at 1,600 feet, flying at 169 knots on a heading of 123 degrees, located 2.35 miles from the airport/VOR.
At the time of the incident, weather conditions included a visibility of 1/2 mile with fog, drizzle, and an overcast ceiling of 100 feet. The prescribed missed approach procedure required the pilot to climb to 1,000 feet and then perform a climbing right turn to 2,500 feet via a heading of 130 degrees. An eyewitness reported that the aircraft appeared to be flying at a low altitude with a cruise-like engine configuration and maintained a consistent sound until the impact.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in low visibility with a ceiling of only 100 feet.
- The pilot was performing a climbing right turn as part of the missed approach procedure.
- The aircraft descended significantly below the instructed altitude during the maneuver.