Accident Summary
During an instrument approach in snow showers with visibility of 1.5 miles, a pilot received an altimeter setting of '30.11 or 30.12, something like that' via radio. However, after the accident, the aircraft's altimeter was found set at 30.22 inches of mercury. Despite the low visibility, the pilot continued the approach, stating 'minimums are one mile.' The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain during the approach phase.
Flight Details
The pilot descended outbound to 4,500 feet, although the minimum procedure turn altitude was 4,700 feet mean sea level (MSL). As the pilot approached the VOR, the aircraft descended further to 3,700 feet MSL. Power was reduced to 17-18 inches of manifold pressure, and airspeed was decreased to 120 knots. Upon crossing the VOR, the pilot glanced at the altimeter and noted 'the hands were in the two o'clock position.' The landing gear was extended and approach flaps were set. The pilot reported that everything seemed normal until he looked out the window and saw 'wispy clouds going by rapidly. Then there were the sounds of impact.' The next memory was the sound of dripping gasoline. The pilot stated he crawled out of the cockpit window and wandered 'for a couple hours trying to chase down the searchlights.'
Probable Cause
Official findings attributed the accident to an in-flight collision with terrain/water during the approach from the final approach fix to threshold under IFR. Factors included improper altimeter setting by the pilot, low ceiling, improper IFR procedure, obscuration, the aircraft being below proper altitude, and failure to maintain minimum descent altitude. Contributing conditions were mountainous/hilly terrain and dark night.