Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 8; Flight Crew Total 1425; Flight Crew Type 1425
Distraction; Situational Awareness
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Weather; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
Flying an IFR flight plan in and out of IMC. Were on GPS 31 approach to LEE. Descended to approximately 700 before reaching MALKE (minimum 860 FT). At the time we were in VMC and I fell into a visual approach mode without realizing it. I busted minimums. My passenger; an IFR rated private pilot; brought it to my attention. I leveled and maintained altitude as I crossed MALKE. At this time I received a call from Tower with altitude alert.
An IFR single engine pilot on the LEE GPS 31 approach became VMC prior to MALKE then forgot his IFR status and continued he descent until reminded by a passenger about the IFR MALKE crossing restriction.