Casualties unknown

1985-12-11: Piper PA-30 (N7770Y) — Corning, NY

Corning, NY, US

On December 11, 1985, a Piper PA-30 (registration N7770Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Corning, NY. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on an ILS approach to Runway 6 struck high terrain short of the outer marker. Pilot had communication and chart issues; post-crash tests revealed an out-of-adjustment glide slope receiver.

Approach and Communications

During an ILS approach to Runway 6, the aircraft impacted high terrain short of the outer marker. While on the downwind leg, the pilot informed the controller that he was not receiving the localizer and requested a surveillance approach. The controller responded that he could not provide that service.

When cleared for the ILS approach, the pilot stated that he had been expecting an approach to Elmira. The controller replied that he was indeed getting the approach to Elmira and repeated the clearance. The pilot then noted that he had an approach chart for Runway 24 but not for Runway 6. The controller provided the localizer frequency, and the pilot later reported being on the localizer course, which was confirmed by radar display.

Investigation Findings

Post-crash testing of the aircraft's glide slope receiver showed it was out of adjustment but still capable of functioning. The aircraft appeared to have flown into trees in a level attitude.

The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38339. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.