Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Utility Pole and Crashes After Attempting Visual Flight Below Fog (N4687F)

Merced, CA, US

On December 12, 1982, a Cessna 206 (registration N4687F) operated by Heisey, Walter Floyd was involved in an aviation accident near Merced, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During an ILS approach to Runway 30, the pilot was given weather with zero ceiling and visibility in fog. The pilot observed a clear area south of the airport and attempted to fly beneath the fog, striking a utility pole before crashing. Post-accident inspection found the glide slope receiver sensitivity below specifications.

Approach and Weather

According to the transcript, the pilot was cleared for an ILS approach to Runway 30 approximately 2 miles from the outer marker. At that time, the weather information provided to the pilot indicated an indefinite ceiling of zero, sky obscured, and visibility zero in fog.

Pilot's Actions

The pilot stated that an instrument approach was planned but noted a clear area observed south of the airport. The pilot then entered this clear area and attempted to fly to the airport beneath the fog.

Accident Sequence

During the attempted flight below the fog, the aircraft struck a utility pole west of the Runway 30 localizer course. After striking the pole, the aircraft circled left and subsequently crashed.

Post-Accident Findings

Following the accident, examination of the aircraft's glide slope receiver revealed that its sensitivity was below the manufacturer's specifications. The source notes that this condition would have resulted in a glide slope "off" indication in the cockpit.

All Cessna 206 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Dec 1982 Cessna 206 accident near Merced, CA?

During an ILS approach to Runway 30, the pilot was given weather with zero ceiling and visibility in fog. The pilot observed a clear area south of the airport and attempted to fly beneath the fog, striking a utility pole before crashing. Post-accident inspection found the glide slope receiver sensitivity below…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Dec 1982 involved a Cessna 206, registration N4687F, operated by Heisey, Walter Floyd, at Merced, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04870. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.