On December 24, 1984, a Beech A36 (registration N2049G) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Charles, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain situational awareness during an ILS approach while not rated for instrument flight, resulting in confusion regarding procedures. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A non-instrument rated pilot crashed an aircraft three miles short of Lake Charles Airport while attempting an ILS approach in instrument meteorological conditions, with confusion over procedures cited as a factor.
What happened
The aircraft N2049G crashed approximately three miles short of the runway threshold at Lake Charles Regional Airport. The accident occurred while the pilot was conducting an instrument landing system (ILS) approach under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). An IFR flight plan had been filed for the flight, despite the pilot not holding an instrument rating.
The investigation
Review of radio transcripts between N2049G and approach control revealed significant confusion on the part of the pilot regarding standard instrument flight procedures. This lack of familiarity with required protocols contributed to the inability to complete the approach safely.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was the pilot's lack of an instrument rating while operating under IFR conditions. The confusion evident in communications with air traffic control indicates a failure to adhere to established instrument flight rules, leading to the controlled flight into terrain short of the airport.
Safety message
Pilots must hold appropriate instrument ratings before attempting IFR approaches and should strictly adhere to ATC instructions and published procedures when operating in instrument meteorological conditions.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain situational awareness during an ILS approach while not rated for instrument flight, resulting in confusion regarding procedures.