Flight Details
The pilot was conducting an instrument landing system (ILS) approach when the glide slope was noted to be out of service. She transitioned to a localizer-only approach and continued the descent. Night, instrument meteorological conditions prevailed with a 400-foot ceiling.
Approach and Landing
On final approach, the pilot observed that the airplane was high and fast. She deployed speed brakes and flaps to reduce speed and altitude, descending to the minimum descent altitude (MDA). As the airplane descended below the cloud ceiling, she sighted runway lights and attempted to land. The airplane landed long, overran the departure end of the runway, and struck an embankment before coming to rest.
Post-Accident Examination
An Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and confirmed substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path and airspeed on final approach, which resulted in a long landing and runway excursion.