Casualties unknown

1990-05-21: Rockwell 114 (N4859W) — Finder's Diversified, Inc. — Willoughby Hill, OH

Willoughby Hill, OH, US

On May 21, 1990, a Rockwell 114 (registration N4859W) operated by Finder's Diversified, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Willoughby Hill, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO FOLLOW THE IFR PROCEDURE AND TO IDENTIFY THE DECISION HEIGHT (AND/OR MAKE A TIMELY MISSED APPROACH). THE ADVERSE WEATHER WAS A RELATED FACTOR. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot, after two VOR approaches, diverted for an ILS at Cuyahoga County Airport. The aircraft deviated right of the localizer, struck a power line pole, hit a tree, and slid into a house, burning.

Approach Sequence

The pilot had made two VOR approaches to Lost Nation Airport and then decided to divert to Cuyahoga County Airport for an ILS runway 23 approach. During vectors for the ILS, the pilot was advised that the latest airport weather included an obscured ceiling of 100 feet and visibility of 1/8 mile in fog. At 2218 EDT, the pilot was informed he was 5 miles from the KROOK outer marker/final approach fix and was cleared for the approach. The published approach minima for the ILS required a ceiling of 200 feet and visibility of 1/2 mile.

Deviation and Impact

Subsequently, the aircraft deviated approximately 1100 feet to the right of the ILS localizer course line and struck a power line pole about 2500 feet short of the runway. The impact occurred at an altitude of about 12 feet above ground level while the aircraft was in a right turn with a heading of 290 degrees. The aircraft then hit a tree, crashed at the same elevation as the airport, slid into the breezeway of a house/garage, and caught fire.

Post-Accident Findings

An examination found no preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft. After the accident, the next weather observation indicated conditions had deteriorated: indefinite ceiling, zero ceiling, sky obscured, visibility 1/8 mile in fog, and wind from 360 degrees at 8 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23098. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.