Incident Overview
An aircraft crashed during a second attempt at a VOR runway 29 approach at Coatesville Airport. The approach was conducted while the ILS was out of service. The aircraft descended below radar coverage at 1,800 feet MSL, approximately three miles east-southeast of the airport. It subsequently crashed about one mile north-northeast of the runway threshold in a steep nose-down attitude. The main wreckage came to rest 44 feet north-northeast of the principal impact point.
Weather Conditions
No weather reporting station existed at Coatesville. At Philadelphia, approximately 25 miles east-southeast, the forecast called for occasional ceilings of 600 feet overcast, visibility 3 miles with light rain showers and fog. Flight precautions were in effect for turbulence below 5,000 feet due to wind shear, with ceilings and visibility frequently below 1,000 feet and 3 miles, accompanied by stratus, light drizzle, and fog. Post-accident weather study indicated cloud bases at 900 feet MSL.
Approach Details
The minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach was 1,060 feet MSL; the airport elevation was 662 feet. On the first approach attempt, the pilot executed a missed approach. He then received vectors to fly the approach again and stated that he would proceed to Philadelphia if a landing could not be completed.
Mechanical Findings
No preimpact mechanical problems were found. The stabilator trim was noted in the full nose-down position, but the system's integrity was not maintained during the accident.