On February 6, 1991, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N3966X) operated by Louis H. Sexauer was involved in an aviation accident near Dutchtown, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT EXCEEDING THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE LOSS OF CONTROL. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE EXISTING WEATHER CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot inbound to Cape Girardeau Airport maintained a 140-degree heading during an ILS approach to Runway 10, losing radar contact about 2 miles south of the localizer course. The outboard wing sections separated before impact.
Flight Progress
The pilot was inbound to Cape Girardeau Airport from the northwest on a heading of approximately 140 degrees. Clearance had been received for the Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 10, which has an inbound course of 104 degrees.
Radar and Communications
Radar data revealed that the pilot maintained the 140-degree heading until radar contact was lost about 2 miles south of the localizer course. Throughout the flight, all radio transmissions were normal.
Wing Separation
Prior to impact, the outboard wing sections separated from the airframe. The left wingtip was located farthest from the main wreckage, approximately 600 feet south of the main impact area.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 6 Feb 1991 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Dutchtown, MO?
A pilot inbound to Cape Girardeau Airport maintained a 140-degree heading during an ILS approach to Runway 10, losing radar contact about 2 miles south of the localizer course. The outboard wing sections separated before impact.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Feb 1991 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N3966X, operated by Louis H. Sexauer, at Dutchtown, MO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT EXCEEDING THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE LOSS OF CONTROL. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE EXISTING WEATHER CONDITIONS.
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