Accident Overview
During the flight, the private pilot/operator was most likely seated in the left seat, while the commercial pilot/company pilot was most likely seated in the right seat. The private pilot obtained his instrument rating about 7 months prior to the accident and had accumulated approximately 300 hours of flight experience, of which about 80 hours were in the accident airplane. The commercial pilot had accumulated approximately 1,000 hours of flight experience, including about 125 hours of actual instrument experience and 80 hours in the accident airplane.
Flight Planning and Weather Briefing
The commercial pilot filed a flight plan to the wrong airport and received a weather briefing for that incorrect airport. Consequently, he was not aware of a NOTAM indicating that the approach lighting system at the destination airport was out of service. After realizing the error, the commercial pilot changed the flight plan but did not request another weather briefing.
Approach and Missed Approach
Radar information indicated that the airplane flew the instrument landing system runway 5 approach at a faster-than-normal speed. The crew then performed a steep missed approach, climbing to 1,000 feet, after which the airplane disappeared from radar, consistent with a loss of control during the missed approach.
Investigation Findings
The investigation identified no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The reported weather at the accident airport included an overcast ceiling at 200 feet, visibility 1 mile in light rain and mist, and wind from 160 degrees at 4 knots. Investigators could not determine which pilot was flying the airplane at the time of the accident.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was determined to be both pilots' failure to maintain aircraft control during a missed approach.