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Casualties unknown

Nighttime VOR/DME Approach Collision with Irrigation Equipment (N7381U)

Boise, ID, US

On November 10, 1992, a Cessna T210R (registration N7381U) operated by Spokane Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Boise, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to descend below the published minimum altitude during a night approach in low visibility conditions, resulting in controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) with an irrigation structure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft descending below minimums during a foggy night approach struck a movable irrigation system two and a half miles from the airport, with no mechanical faults found.

What happened

The flight was conducting a nighttime VOR/DME approach for landing under foggy weather conditions. Radar data confirms that the aircraft was established on the final approach course and maintained a proper altitude at the Final Approach Fix (FAF). However, subsequent radar targets indicate that the flight descended below the published minimum altitude after passing the fix. Approximately two and a half miles east of the airport, the airplane collided with a movable irrigation system situated in an open field. The obstacle was fifteen feet high.

The investigation

A post-crash inspection of the wreckage was conducted to determine the condition of the aircraft prior to impact. The examination did not reveal any evidence of mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded the normal operation of the airplane.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to descend below the published minimum altitude during a night approach in low visibility conditions, resulting in controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) with an irrigation structure.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Nov 1992 Cessna T210R accident near Boise, ID?

An aircraft descending below minimums during a foggy night approach struck a movable irrigation system two and a half miles from the airport, with no mechanical faults found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Nov 1992 involved a Cessna T210R, registration N7381U, operated by Spokane Airways, at Boise, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to descend below the published minimum altitude during a night approach in low visibility conditions, resulting in controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) with an irrigation structure.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16096. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.