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Aircraft Destroyed After Descending Into Lake During NDB Approach in Snow (N1607W)

Shell Lake, WI, US

On November 14, 1989, a Beech A36 (registration N1607W) was involved in an aviation accident near Shell Lake, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO PERFORM A MISSED APPROACH, HIS DESCENDING BELOW THE MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE TO AVOID IMPACT WITH THE TERRAIN. 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 was destroyed after descending into a lake while attempting an NDB approach to an uncontrolled airport in moderate snow conditions. The pilot had limited instrument experience and did not attempt a missed approach.

Accident Overview

During an attempted non-directional beacon (NDB) approach to an uncontrolled airport, the aircraft descended into a lake adjacent to the airport and was destroyed. The accident occurred in moderate snow conditions, with area residents reporting visibility restricted due to snow showers at the time of the approach.

Weather and Approach

The pilot had received a weather briefing that included the possibility of snow showers. No indication exists that the pilot attempted to perform a missed approach. Witness reports indicate that the aircraft had descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) prior to impact.

Pilot Experience

The investigation revealed that the pilot had limited total instrument experience. Additionally, the pilot lacked recent total flight experience and recent experience in this type of operation.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Nov 1989 Beech A36 accident near Shell Lake, WI?

An aircraft was destroyed after descending into a lake while attempting an NDB approach to an uncontrolled airport in moderate snow conditions. The pilot had limited instrument experience and did not attempt a missed approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Nov 1989 involved a Beech A36, registration N1607W, at Shell Lake, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO PERFORM A MISSED APPROACH, HIS DESCENDING BELOW THE MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE TO AVOID IMPACT WITH THE TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S LACK OF TOTAL INSTRUMENT TIME, HIS LACK OF RECENT TOTAL EXPERIENCE, AND…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29758. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.