Air taxi aircraft crashes during third ILS approach attempt

Casualties unknown • Mosinee, WI, US

An on-demand air taxi airplane struck trees and terrain while attempting an ILS approach for the third time, crashing two miles beyond the airport.

What happened

An on-demand air taxi aircraft crashed approximately two miles beyond the airport, positioned on the extended centerline of the landing runway. The accident occurred during a third attempt at an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach.

The pilot reported that during the first approach, he observed the runway and noted vehicles present on the taxiway, which led to a missed approach. During the second approach attempt, the pilot experienced fluctuations in his course direction indicator. Due to poor visibility, the pilot requested that airport lights be set to high intensity; while the lights were verified as being at high intensity, the pilot's visibility remained limited.

The pilot stated he had no memory of the third approach after passing the outer marker. At the time of the aircraft's approaches, snow removal operations were actively in progress at the airport.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of situational awareness or memory during the third ILS approach attempt, following previous missed approaches due to runway obstructions and instrument fluctuations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-01-17 Cessna 402A accident near Mosinee, WI?

An on-demand air taxi airplane struck trees and terrain while attempting an ILS approach for the third time, crashing two miles beyond the airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-01-17 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's loss of situational awareness or memory during the third ILS approach attempt, following previous missed approaches due to runway obstructions and instrument fluctuations.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22385. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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