On October 19, 1992, a Beech 55 (registration N1ZB) operated by Robert L. Powell was involved in an aviation accident near Leicester, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER GLIDE PATH. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT FLIGHT EXPERIENCE AND HIS LACK OF RECENT INSTRUMENT EXPERIENCED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night ILS approach to Runway 11 in light rain with 8-mile visibility, a pilot descended below the glide path and struck an approach light tower about 1/4 mile from the threshold. The pilot had limited recent night flying experience. No engine or ILS discrepancies were found.
Incident Overview
A pilot conducting an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 11 at night descended below the glide path and struck an approach light tower located approximately 1/4 mile from the runway threshold. The reported weather conditions included light rain and 8 miles visibility.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had not flown at night in about 90 days and had flown only approximately four times during that period.
Aircraft and Equipment Examination
Post-incident examination of the aircraft's engines revealed no discrepancies. Additionally, the ILS system was flight tested and performed satisfactorily.
Witness Observation
A witness reported observing the airplane "on a gradual decline" before it "hit the pole."
