On August 28, 1992, a Piper PA-46-350 (registration N350PM) operated by Clifford F. Evans was involved in an aviation accident near Sanford, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT DID NOT FOLLOW IFR PROCEDURES WHEN HE DISREGARDED THE DECISION HEIGHT LIMITATION AND FAILED TO INITIATE A MISSED APPROACH WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRPLANE STRIKING TREES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a second ILS approach, the pilot continued at decision height without the runway in sight, then saw it but insufficient runway remained. He attempted a circling maneuver, struck pine trees, declared an emergency, and diverted to another airport.
Incident Overview
On the second attempted Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach, the pilot reported that he did not have the runway in sight but continued at decision height for a few moments. He then saw the runway but determined there was not enough runway remaining to land. The pilot stated he would attempt to circle at decision height and re-intercept the glideslope. During this maneuver, he encountered one or more pine trees.
Emergency Declaration and Diversion
After the encounter with the trees, the pilot declared an emergency. Air traffic control vectored the aircraft to another airport, which was 24 minutes away. The pilot described the airplane's flight characteristics on the way to the alternate airport as "a control condition similar to an engine out in a multi-engine airplane."
Landing and Final Position
Following touchdown at the alternate airport, the airplane departed the runway and came to rest in a median between a runway and a taxiway.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 Aug 1992 Piper PA-46-350 accident near Sanford, ME?
During a second ILS approach, the pilot continued at decision height without the runway in sight, then saw it but insufficient runway remained. He attempted a circling maneuver, struck pine trees, declared an emergency, and diverted to another airport.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Aug 1992 involved a Piper PA-46-350, registration N350PM, operated by Clifford F. Evans, at Sanford, ME.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT DID NOT FOLLOW IFR PROCEDURES WHEN HE DISREGARDED THE DECISION HEIGHT LIMITATION AND FAILED TO INITIATE A MISSED APPROACH WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRPLANE STRIKING TREES.