Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide path during an instrument approach, and his improper remedial action, resulting in a collision with trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was conducting a manually flown ils approach in marginal weather conditions. He said that he became distracted at about 3.5 miles from touchdown by a call from the tower asking his location. He said that he looked outside the cockpit and saw a highway below. When he again looked at his instruments, he observed the glide path needle displaying a 'full scale below glide path indication.' he then tried to engage the auto pilot, but the airplane struck trees.
Source record
Factual narrative
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