When you get that low below the weather all the aids let you down.
Private pilots often operate below minima and fly a combination of VFR/IFR.
That's the killer trying to mix both and all the kit in the world won't help you when it comes to basic panel flying in bad weather low level.
I've landed at lot's of airstrips in bad weather at night with nothing more than car headlights on the threshold. Severe turbulence is another issue.
Basic panel flying is a skill lacking in a lot of commercial pilots these days hence the Air France accident.
However in this case I think trying to get in on a visual approach in severe turbulence beat a very experienced pilot.
Last edited by Ye Olde Pilot; 28th Oct 2013 at 23:12.