Manitowish Waters Airport
Aircraft Accident/Incident Report

Manitowish Watr, Wisconsin 54545
Friday, September 1, 2000 22:10 CDT

The airplane was destroyed on impact with trees and terrain during an approach. The pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. The flight originated on an IFR clearance to VFR conditions on top. The flight acknowledged radar termination but continued to squawk 0106. A witness heard a crash about 2210 and said the ceiling was low and overcast. A front passenger stated she thought the pilot was performing an IFR approach and it was a normal approach. She said that she saw the runway lights. She stated that she remembers hitting something and the pilot saying, "OH NO, OH NO." She said that the pilot was using the emap GPS. A rear seat passenger was interviewed. He stated that during the flight from GRB to D25, the airplane was flying above clouds. He said that he saw runway lights, heard a rumbling or growling sound, like "RRRRRahRRRRRahRRRRR." He and another rear seat passenger both stated that the pilot said, "It's not working, it's not working." He said that the sound occurred about 300 feet or about a minute prior to hitting. The front passenger said that she was not aware of the pilot's conversation that the rear seat passengers heard. The sky condition was 400 feet overcast. The airport's NDB and GPS approach landing minima weather section listed 700 [feet ceiling]-1 [statute mile visibility] and 500-1 respectively. A clearance was not issued to the flight to perform an approach. The ADF's switch was found in the off position. The fuel selector's sump valve, spring, and screen were found coated with a brown colored media. Control continuity was established to all flight surfaces. Control continuity was established to the engine. A Garmin emap handheld GPS was found near the wreckage. A handheld radio, marked, JD-200, was found near the wreckage. A spray can, marked "HEET Starting Fluid", was found in the wreckage. The FAA CAMI report stated CHLORPHENIRAMINE and ACETAMINOPHEN were detected. The engine was test run and it produced full power. A radio shop witness said that the airplane's installed radio and GPS were inoperative.

the pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance from the trees during an approach on a dark, low overcast night, the pilot's improper use of an IFR procedure without clearance, and the pilot's improper in-flight decision to attempt an IFR approach without clearance. Factors were the local weather being below published minimums, the trees, and the dark night.