Casualties unknown

1991-06-08: Cessna 320F (N6158Q) — Dr. John C. Roberts — Washington, IN

Washington, IN, US

On June 8, 1991, a Cessna 320F (registration N6158Q) operated by Dr. John C. Roberts was involved in an aviation accident near Washington, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: EXCEEDING THE AIRCRAFT'S PROPER DESCENT RATE BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE INOPERATIVE RUNWAY EDGE LIGHTS, PROPER ALIGNMENT NOT ATTAINED, IMPROPERLY PLANNED APPROACH, AND INADEQUATE FACILITY MAINTENANCE. 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

A pilot conducted a night visual approach to an airport with inoperative runway lights. After a high first approach and go-around, the second approach was high and left with a high descent rate, resulting in ground impact 20 feet left of the runway at midfield.

Approach Procedure

The pilot was performing a night visual approach to an airport where the runway lights were inoperative. The local procedure for night approaches under such conditions involves aligning the airport rotating beacon with a marker light located on a grain bin approximately half a mile from the airport. The pilot is expected to initiate a descent and continue until the aircraft's landing lights illuminate the runway surface.

First Approach

During the first approach, the pilot was high on the glidepath and executed a go-around. No further details regarding the first approach are available.

Second Approach

On the second approach, the pilot was again high and positioned to the left of the intended approach path. Despite this, a high rate of descent was established, and the pilot did not correct this condition before impacting the ground.

Impact

The aircraft struck the ground 20 feet to the left of the runway at approximately midfield. The specific consequences of the impact, such as damage or injuries, are not stated in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17206. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.