On January 20, 1991, a Rockwell 114 (registration N4827W) operated by Frank, Randal W. was involved in an aviation accident near Bessemer, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO FOLLOW INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES (IFR) AND MAINTAIN THE MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE (MDA) DURING THE VOR APPROACH. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARKNESS AND THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft cleared for runway five approach at Birmingham Airport crashed into trees about four miles southwest of the field. No mechanical malfunction was found, and impact occurred in a valley approximately 200 feet below airport elevation.
Accident Overview
The flight was cleared for the runway five approach at Birmingham Airport. Current weather information, including the altimeter setting, had been issued to the crew. No mechanical problems were reported, and the flight appeared normal.
Approach and Impact
The last radar contact showed the aircraft at 1,300 feet early in the approach. The minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach was 1,260 feet. Subsequently, the aircraft crashed approximately four miles southwest of the airport. Impact occurred with the tops of trees in a valley that lies about 200 feet below the airport elevation of 699 feet.
Wreckage and Investigation
Wreckage was scattered over a 350-foot area. Diagonal slash marks were found on tree limbs throughout the impact area. Investigators found no preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft.