Accident Details
The accident occurred while the pilot was operating in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The pilot received vectors to the final approach course for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach. Weather at the airport was reported as a ceiling of 200 feet and visibility of 3/4 mile in mist. The pilot acknowledged the clearance for the approach, and no further radio transmissions were received from the accident airplane.
Flight Path
Radar data indicated that the airplane intercepted the final approach course and then tracked inbound. The airplane crossed the outer marker 420 feet below the glide slope. The last radar return showed the airplane at an altitude of 440 feet above ground level (agl) and 3.9 miles from the runway. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground at a shallow angle approximately 1 mile north of the airport, on the side opposite the missed approach procedure. The elevation of the accident site was about 40 feet lower than the airport elevation.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had accumulated approximately 350 hours of total flight experience.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airframe, engines, flight controls, and flight instruments revealed no evidence of pre-impact failures or malfunctions.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be the pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure and his failure to establish a climb after passing the missed approach point.