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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes ILS Middle Marker Antenna on Night Approach (N234K)

Eugene, OR, US

On September 23, 1988, a Piper PA-31T-620 (registration N234K) operated by Santiam Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Eugene, OR. 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

An aircraft on an IFR clearance and ILS approach in VMC above a thin fog layer at night collided with a 10-foot-tall ILS middle marker antenna/building, separating the left main landing gear and damaging the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot diverted to a VFR field and landed safely.

Approach and Collision

The pilot was operating under an IFR clearance and conducting an instrument landing system (ILS) approach. The flight was conducted in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) above a thin layer of fog at night. The pilot reported having visual contact with the runway environment. While 1/2 mile from the runway threshold, the aircraft collided with a 10-foot-tall ILS middle marker antenna and its associated building.

Damage

The collision separated the left main landing gear from the aircraft and damaged the left horizontal stabilizer. No other damage was specified.

Diversion and Landing

Following the collision, the pilot diverted to a VFR field and executed a landing there. Radar data indicated that the aircraft was at 400 feet MSL when it was 3/4 mile from the threshold. The elevation of the destination airfield was 365 feet MSL.

Note: No information was provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, location, occupants, injuries, or the outcome of the landing beyond a safe touchdown.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Sept 1988 Piper PA-31T-620 accident near Eugene, OR?

An aircraft on an IFR clearance and ILS approach in VMC above a thin fog layer at night collided with a 10-foot-tall ILS middle marker antenna/building, separating the left main landing gear and damaging the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot diverted to a VFR field and landed safely.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Sept 1988 involved a Piper PA-31T-620, registration N234K, operated by Santiam Air, Inc., at Eugene, OR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26941. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.