Aircraft Collides With Water During Go-Around

Casualties unknown • Monterey, CA, US

An aircraft initiated a go-around while on final approach for an ILS landing. Shortly after, the pilot declared an emergency before the plane dove out of clouds and struck the water.

What happened

The flight was proceeding under instrument flight rules with air traffic control providing radar vectors to guide the aircraft to the final approach course for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) landing. As the aircraft neared the Final Approach Fix, the controller issued clearance for the approach and directed the pilot to switch communication frequencies to contact the tower.

The pilot acknowledged this instruction but immediately announced that he was initiating a go-around maneuver. Approximately 30 seconds after this declaration, air traffic control received an unintelligible transmission from the aircraft's radio. This was followed by a clear call from the pilot stating, "Seven niner three in trouble." Sixteen seconds later, the pilot repeated, "I have I have an emergency back here."

During this sequence, the controller observed the aircraft climbing approximately 400 feet above its assigned altitude before the radar return entered a coasting mode, indicating a loss of signal or rapid movement. A witness located in a boat near the accident site reported seeing the aircraft dive out of a cloud layer and collide directly with the water surface.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-07-24 Piper PA-32R-301T accident near Monterey, CA?

An aircraft initiated a go-around while on final approach for an ILS landing. Shortly after, the pilot declared an emergency before the plane dove out of clouds and struck the water.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-07-24 involved a Piper PA-32R-301T, registration N82793, at Monterey, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT, BY THE PILOT, WHILE EXCUTING A MISSED APPROACH.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31547. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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