On December 3, 1983, a Beech A36 (registration N36MP) was involved in an aviation accident near Gulfport, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the approach in weather conditions below minimums, resulting in controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft collided with trees short of the middle marker while attempting a landing in dense fog and reduced visibility, despite pilot acknowledgment of hazardous weather conditions.
What happened
The pilot was briefed on weather conditions prior to beginning the final approach. The available information indicated that the sky was obscured and visibility was severely restricted to one-quarter mile due to fog. Despite these hazardous conditions, the pilot acknowledged the report and stated an intention to proceed with the landing attempt.
During the descent, the aircraft failed to maintain the necessary altitude or trajectory for a safe arrival. It impacted a line of trees located approximately 500 feet short of the middle marker on the instrument approach path. The occupants were returning to Gulfport to attend a scheduled social function that evening.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the controlled flight into terrain during the final phase of flight. Examination of the site and witness reports confirmed the point of impact relative to the airport's navigation aids. No mechanical failure was cited as a contributing factor in the narrative provided.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue the approach in weather conditions below minimums, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.