What happened
On the date of the accident, an aircraft was conducting an instrument flight from Beaumont, Texas, to Craig Airport in Jacksonville, Florida. The pilot was aware that the destination airport was forecasted to experience fog. During the flight, air traffic controllers notified the pilot, while east of Tallahassee, Florida, that the fog at Craig Airport was expected to persist for at least ninety minutes. Although the pilot was informed that Saint Augustine, Florida, offered clear skies and two miles of visibility, the pilot elected to slow the aircraft and proceed to the original destination.
The pilot was cleared for the ILS Runway 32 approach at Craig Airport. At the time, the ATIS reported an indefinite ceiling with a vertical visibility of only 100 feet and a visibility of one-quarter mile. This weather was below the required approach minimums, which specified a decision height of 241 feet and a visibility of one-half mile. Upon contacting Craig Tower, the pilot was instructed to report passing the final approach fix. The controller noted that Jacksonville International Airport had a runway visual range exceeding 6,000 feet and suggested it as a potential diversion point.
When asked about intentions in the event of a missed approach, the pilot expressed uncertainty and asked for guidance. After being advised that Jacksonville was the closer option, the pilot stated they would divert there if necessary. The aircraft was cleared to land, but no further communication was recorded. The aircraft was discovered in a wooded area approximately 1.8 miles from the airport. There were no survivors among the passengers and crew. A post-accident inspection of the aircraft showed no mechanical anomalies prior to the impact.
Findings
- The pilot attempted an approach into weather conditions that were below the established minimums for the ILS Runway 32 approach.