Incident Overview
An aircraft operating into Yakima Airport at night crashed 2.2 nautical miles east of the runway threshold, slightly to the right of the localizer course. The pilot had been cleared for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 27. The final radar position showed the aircraft approximately on the localizer at glide slope intercept altitude, 9 nautical miles east of the airport. Three minutes later, the pilot reported breaking out of clouds, having the airport in sight, and canceled instrument flight rules (IFR). Air traffic control terminated service and approved a frequency change.
Witness Observations
Several witnesses reported that the aircraft initially appeared lower than normal and then descended and impacted the ground at a steep angle. Some witnesses described an abrupt entry into the descent. The crash occurred during the period the airport operates as non-towered.
Weather and Mechanical Factors
Weather conditions at the time included a ceiling of 1,500 feet overcast with 6 miles visibility in mist. No significant icing was forecast. Post-accident examination found no evidence of mechanical problems; however, much of the aircraft was consumed by an intense post-crash fire.
Probable Cause
The official finding states a loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.