Casualties unknown

Accident During ILS Approach to Runway 8 (N3555C)

Kotzebue, AK, US

On April 4, 1992, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N3555C) operated by Frontier Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Kotzebue, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT FACTOR IN THAT THE PROPER GLIDEPATH AND ALTITUDE WAS NOT MAINTAINED. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: INATTENTIVENESS AND SNOW. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During an ILS/DME approach to Runway 8, the pilot completed the procedure turn and was established on the localizer and glide slope. While reporting inbound at 4.5 DME, the airplane contacted the ground. The pilot's last instrument scan showed on glide path at 1,250 feet.

Approach Procedure

The flight was cleared for the ILS/DME approach to Runway 8. The pilot executed the published procedure turn and became established on the localizer and glide slope at approximately 5.5 miles DME. The descent continued as the pilot completed the before-landing checklist.

Radio Communication

At about 5 miles DME, the pilot attempted to call the Flight Service Station to report final approach fix inbound but had to wait for another airplane transmitting. The pilot then contacted the FSS and reported at 4.5 miles DME.

Ground Contact

Shortly after the radio call, the pilot felt the airplane contact the ground. The pilot reported that his last instrument scan that he could remember showed that he was on the glide path and localizer at an altitude of 1,250 feet.

Aftermath

After the accident, the pilot reported that the visibility was about 100 yards and that there was blowing snow.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14358. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.