Accident Overview
The accident occurred during a localizer runway 31 approach to Atlanta. The pilot was informed during the preflight briefing of reduced visibility and low ceiling at the destination around the planned arrival time. Upon arrival in the Atlanta area, radar vectors were issued to a final approach course, and the pilot was given the current altimeter setting and cleared for the approach.
Approach and Collision
While executing the approach, the airplane collided with a 60-foot tall light pole at a nearby baseball complex, located 2 miles short of the runway. The wreckage distribution path was 2,467 feet to the right of the localizer course. The minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach using the Atlanta altimeter setting was 1,260 feet. The average field elevation in the vicinity of the accident site was 800 feet.
Weather Conditions
The official weather observation from Hartsfield International Airport indicated visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. However, a witness at the accident site reported foggy conditions with reduced visibility. The pilot had been briefed on reduced visibility and low ceiling prior to departure.
Navigational Equipment Checks
A ground check of the localizer and DME facility found them within normal operating range. Examination of the aircraft's navigational radios also indicated normal operation.
Pilot Toxicology
Toxicological examinations detected the presence of pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, and chlorpheniramine in the pilot's system. No samples were available to quantify the blood levels of these medications.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure. Fog was identified as a contributing factor.