Aircraft Accident Near Hinchinbrook Island During NDB Approach (N52137)

Event Details

At 1323 ADT, the pilot reported the aircraft's position near Hinchinbrook Island and requested clearance for the NDB-A approach to the Cordova Mile 13 Airport. Approximately three minutes later, Cordova Flight Service Station (FSS) provided clearance for the approach 'from over Hinchinbrook.'

Flight Path

Radar data indicated that the aircraft proceeded to the Johnstone Point (JOH) VOR and then began tracking on a south-southeast heading toward the subsequent accident site. The aircraft impacted near the top of a mountain at an elevation of about 2,000 feet, approximately 10 miles south-southeast of the JOH VOR.

Approach Procedure

For the Johnstone Point transition to the NDB-A approach, the pilot was required to track outbound from the VOR for 15.5 miles on a heading of 083 degrees, maintaining a minimum altitude of 4,000 feet, to the Hinchinbrook Initial Approach Fix (IAF).