Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 15; Flight Crew Total 2040; Flight Crew Type 1500
Distraction; Workload
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation - Altitude Overshoot; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Human Factors
My plane developed navigation system problems while enroute IFR to SNA. ATC provided vectors. Upon intercepting the localizer the glide slope receiver failed converting the approach to localizer only. Along the approach Nav #1 (glide slope) then failed completely. Fortunately I was able to continue with Nav #2; DME and visual cues. During the last moments of the approach Tower advised I check altitude as they showed me at 500 FT. Inside DYERS with DME the minimum is 440 FT. I think I was okay however while somewhat distracted by equipment failure and concerned about the health of my remaining navigation receiver I might have lost some altitude while maintaining visibility and may have broken minimums.
The pilot of a Piper PA28 experienced navigation radio problems while on an IFR flight plan. ATC provided assistance and altitude monitoring during his approach and landing.