Accident Overview
A pilot conducting an ILS approach at night under instrument meteorological conditions failed to adhere to the published procedure, resulting in an early descent into trees and terrain. The approach was flown with an inbound course of 322 degrees magnetic. The glideslope outer marker crossing altitude was specified at 3,333 feet msl, and the decision altitude (DA) was 2,370 feet msl. The airport elevation was 2,143 feet msl.
Wreckage and Impact
The wreckage path extended approximately 370 feet in length along a track of 320 degrees magnetic. The initial impact involved a tree strike about 300 feet southeast of the outer marker at an elevation of approximately 2,200 feet msl. Examination of the airplane revealed no pre-existing mechanical anomalies.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure, which resulted in an early descent into trees and terrain. A contributing factor was the night, instrument meteorological conditions.