On October 31, 1992, a Beech 58 (registration N101KH) operated by Kilo Hotel Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Rives, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUMENT PROCEDURES WHILE CONDUCTING AN INSTRUMENT APPROACH WHICH RESULTED IN THE COLLISION WITH TREES; THE PILOT DESCENDED BELOW THE MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE. 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.
A pilot, after two unsuccessful instrument approaches, descended below the published minimum descent altitude while on a third approach and struck trees about three miles short of the airport. No mechanical issues were found.
Accident Sequence
The pilot received a weather briefing and filed an instrument flight plan to the destination airport without listing an alternate. Upon arriving at the planned destination, he executed two instrument approaches but was unable to establish visual contact with the ground. He then requested a third approach from air traffic control. While on final approach, the airplane collided with trees approximately three miles short of the airport.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airplane failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction or component failure. The pilot did not report a problem with the airplane or the onboard flight instruments.
Approach Procedure
According to the published approach procedure, the minimum descent altitude (MDA) was 800 feet MSL. The pilot descended below the published minimums.