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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Destroyed in Ground Collision During Localizer Approach (N22054)

Clovis, NM, US

On November 20, 1990, a Cessna T210L (registration N22054) operated by South Aero, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Clovis, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain minimum descent altitude during a localizer-only approach in dense fog, which led to controlled flight into terrain and subsequent collision with ground objects. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

During a localizer-only approach in dense fog, the pilot descended below minimum descent altitude and struck the ground short of the runway, followed by an impact with farm machinery.

What happened

The flight was underway when the pilot initiated a localizer-only approach to the airport. Conditions at the time were characterized by dense fog, which significantly reduced visibility. Rather than maintaining the required altitude, the pilot descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground approximately 400 yards short of the runway threshold.

Shortly after the initial touchdown, the aircraft collided with a piece of farm machinery located near the approach area. This secondary impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain minimum descent altitude during a localizer-only approach in dense fog, which led to controlled flight into terrain and subsequent collision with ground objects.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Nov 1990 Cessna T210L accident near Clovis, NM?

During a localizer-only approach in dense fog, the pilot descended below minimum descent altitude and struck the ground short of the runway, followed by an impact with farm machinery.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Nov 1990 involved a Cessna T210L, registration N22054, operated by South Aero, Inc., at Clovis, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain minimum descent altitude during a localizer-only approach in dense fog, which led to controlled flight into terrain and subsequent collision with ground objects.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24601. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.