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Casualties unknown

Second Aircraft Strikes Trees on Approach After Missed Attempt by First (N8401E)

Ocilla, GA, US

On October 31, 1985, a Piper PA-34-220T (registration N8401E) was involved in an aviation accident near Ocilla, GA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

The pilot of the second company aircraft held while the first attempted an NDR approach. After the first made a missed approach, the second attempted the approach but flew into trees miles from the airport. A radar altimeter aboard was not used; the pilot dismissed it as 'another dang buzzer.'

Incident Overview

The pilot of the second company aircraft to arrive in the vicinity of the airport held while the first aircraft attempted a non-directional radio (NDR) approach. After the first aircraft executed a missed approach, the pilot of the second aircraft proceeded to attempt the approach. During the attempt, the aircraft flew into trees several miles before reaching the airport.

Equipment and Pilot Remarks

A radar altimeter was installed aboard the aircraft but was not utilized during the approach. The pilot reportedly complained about the device, stating that it was "just another dang buzzer" and that there were already too many such alerts in the cockpit.

Outcome

The aircraft impacted trees at a location significantly short of the airport. The source does not specify injuries, damage, or further details about the occupants or aircraft.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Oct 1985 Piper PA-34-220T accident near Ocilla, GA?

The pilot of the second company aircraft held while the first attempted an NDR approach. After the first made a missed approach, the second attempted the approach but flew into trees miles from the airport. A radar altimeter aboard was not used; the pilot dismissed it as 'another dang buzzer.'

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Oct 1985 involved a Piper PA-34-220T, registration N8401E, at Ocilla, GA.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37947. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.