Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue the instrument approach beyond the published missed approach point.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during an instrument landing system (ILS) instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, she descended into fog about 1,000 feet above ground level. The pilot continued the approach beyond the minimum descent altitude and stated that she did not see the runway or runway environment until she was beyond the 1,000-foot runway markings, and realized the airplane had drifted right of the runway. The pilot attempted to maneuver the airplane towards the runway, however, it landed hard, in a grassy, mud covered area, off the right side of the runway. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the fuselage was structurally damaged. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during an instrument landing system (ILS) instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, she descended into fog about 1,000 feet above ground level. The pilot continued the approach beyond the minimum descent altitude and stated that she did not see the runway or runway environment until she was beyond the 1,000-foot runway markings, and realized the airplane had drifted right of the runway. The pilot attempted to maneuver the airplane towards the runway, however, it landed hard, in a grassy, mud covered area, off the right side of the runway. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the fuselage was structurally damaged. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.