Casualties unknown

1991-08-31: Mooney M20J (N296TH) — Thomas P. Heeney — Nantucket, MA

Nantucket, MA, US

On August 31, 1991, a Mooney M20J (registration N296TH) operated by Thomas P. Heeney was involved in an aviation accident near Nantucket, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DESCENT BELOW THE ILS GLIDE PATH AND HIS DELAY IN INITIATING A MISSED APPROACH WHICH RESULTED IN COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot, advised of marginal weather, diverted to an airport with known low ceiling and visibility. During the approach, he observed instrument deviations, initiated a missed approach, but the airplane struck a hill. The approach had no discrepancies and other pilots reported no difficulties.

Incident Overview

Prior to departure, the pilot was informed that weather conditions were marginal at his intended destination and the alternate airports. Unable to land at the destination, he diverted to another airport that had known low ceiling and visibility.

Approach and Missed Approach

During the approach, the pilot observed a full-scale deflection in azimuth and a fly-up indication on the glide slope needle. He then initiated a missed approach. At that time, the airplane struck a hill.

Investigation Findings

Following the incident, the instrument approach was checked by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and no discrepancies were found. Other pilots who conducted the approach did not report any difficulties. The reported weather at the time of the incident was at minimums for that approach.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had a total instrument flight time of 31 hours.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17970. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.