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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Collides with Telephone Cable During Missed Approach in Low Visibility (N9469Y)

Hanford, CA, US

On November 28, 1988, a Beech N35 (registration N9469Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Hanford, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE AND DESCENDED BELOW THE MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE WHILE EXECUTING THE MISSED APPROACH. 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

During a VOR circling approach to the pilot's home airport, the aircraft descended below minimum descent altitude, struck a telephone cable, and came to rest in a cotton field. Weather was below approach minimums.

Approach and Incident

The pilot of the aircraft declared a missed approach while performing a VOR circling approach to his home airport. During the procedure, the airplane descended below the prescribed minimum descent altitude. It subsequently struck a telephone cable and came to rest in a cotton field approximately one mile northeast of the airport.

Aircraft Configuration

At the time of impact, the aircraft was in the landing configuration, with landing gear and flaps extended.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions were below the minimums required for the approach. Visibility was one-quarter mile due to fog, and the ceiling was obscured at 400 feet.

Investigation Findings

No evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction was found.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Nov 1988 Beech N35 accident near Hanford, CA?

During a VOR circling approach to the pilot's home airport, the aircraft descended below minimum descent altitude, struck a telephone cable, and came to rest in a cotton field. Weather was below approach minimums.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Nov 1988 involved a Beech N35, registration N9469Y, at Hanford, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE AND DESCENDED BELOW THE MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE WHILE EXECUTING THE MISSED APPROACH. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE DETERIORATING WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S WISH TO RETURN THE AIRPLANE TO ITS HOME BASE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27266. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.