Aircraft collision with trees and road during missed approach

Casualties unknown • Sandston, VA, US

An aircraft crashed into trees and a road one quarter mile north of Runway 34 after the pilot reported seeing runway lights while executing a missed approach.

What happened

Prior to the flight, the pilot received weather briefings for the route of flight that indicated reduced visibility and low ceilings. While performing an ILS approach to Runway 34, the pilot notified the controller that the glide slope had been lost and requested an airport surveillance radar (ASR) approach.

The controller, noting that the flight path appeared in the green on the tower scope, approved the ASR approach and provided the pilot with new minimums. The aircraft was cleared to land; however, approximately one half mile from the runway, the pilot executed a missed approach.

As the controller provided instructions for the missed approach, the pilot transmitted that they were "just a little bit lower" and had just seen the runway lights. Following this transmission, both radar and radio contact with the aircraft were lost. The aircraft was subsequently located one quarter mile north of Runway 34, where it had collided with trees and a road.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-03-06 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Sandston, VA?

An aircraft crashed into trees and a road one quarter mile north of Runway 34 after the pilot reported seeing runway lights while executing a missed approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-03-06 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N100LC, operated by Jasper Engine Exchange Inc., at Sandston, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE MISSED APPROACH PROCEDURE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14230. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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