On January 17, 1990, a Cessna 402A (registration N4532Q) operated by Freight Runners Express Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Mosinee, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT DISREGARDING THE PUBLISHED DECISION HEIGHT AND NOT PERFORMING A MISSED APPROACH. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An on-demand air taxi crashed into trees and terrain during its third attempt at an ILS approach, coming to rest about two miles beyond the airport on the runway's extended centerline. The pilot reported previous missed approaches due to instrument issues and poor visibility of runway lights.
Accident Overview
An on-demand air taxi airplane struck trees and terrain while executing a third attempt at an instrument landing system (ILS) approach. The wreckage came to rest approximately two miles beyond the airport on the extended centerline of the intended landing runway.
Pilot Report
In a post-accident interview, the pilot recalled that during the first approach to the airport, he was able to see the runway and observed vehicles on the taxiway before performing a missed approach. When asked about the reason for the second missed approach, the pilot stated it was due to instrument fluctuations on his course direction indicator (CDI). During this period, he requested that the runway lights be set to high intensity because he could not see them. Airport personnel verified that the lights were set to high intensity as requested. The pilot reported having no memory of events during the third approach after passing the outer marker.
Airport Operations
Snow removal operations were in progress at the airport during the time the accident airplane was making its approaches.
What happened in the 17 Jan 1990 Cessna 402A accident near Mosinee, WI?
An on-demand air taxi crashed into trees and terrain during its third attempt at an ILS approach, coming to rest about two miles beyond the airport on the runway's extended centerline. The pilot reported previous missed approaches due to instrument issues and poor visibility of runway lights.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Jan 1990 involved a Cessna 402A, registration N4532Q, operated by Freight Runners Express Inc., at Mosinee, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT DISREGARDING THE PUBLISHED DECISION HEIGHT AND NOT PERFORMING A MISSED APPROACH.
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