What happened
During an IFR cross-country flight, the pilot was executing a GPS approach under instrument meteorological conditions characterized by light rain, mist, and low cloud ceilings. The pilot had communicated intentions to perform a left-hand circling maneuver to land in the opposite direction of the published approach, despite the standard traffic pattern for the runway being right-hand.
Witnesses observed the aircraft circling the area north of the runway. The plane was seen descending from the cloud base in a wings-level, nose-down attitude of approximately 30 to 45 degrees. Following a slight pitch-up maneuver, the aircraft struck several trees and an unoccupied house. A fire ignited upon impact, destroying the residence and the aircraft.
Radar data from the FAA showed that the aircraft's altitude decreased as it approached the airport, while its flight path remained north of the runway. Although the aircraft reached an altitude of 1,700 feet before radar contact was lost, its trajectory moved toward rising terrain. No mechanical failures were identified during the post-accident inspection of the aircraft.
Findings
Investigation into the crash suggests the pilot may have been disoriented or chose to deviate from established procedures. The pilot likely abandoned the instrument approach prematurely while attempting to locate the runway. It is believed the pilot was searching for the airport and intentionally descended toward what they believed was the landing area. The descent into rising terrain north of the runway, contrary to published procedures, led to the collision with trees and the subsequent impact with the structure.