Casualties unknown

1992-11-25: Beech 58 (N9321Q) — Grand Strand Aviation, Inc. — West Columbia, SC

West Columbia, SC, US

On November 25, 1992, a Beech 58 (registration N9321Q) operated by Grand Strand Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near West Columbia, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S CONTINUED OPERATION WITH KNOWN DEFICIENT EQUIPMENT, HIS IMPROPER DESCENT, AND HIS FAILURE TO PERFORM A MISSED APPROACH. A FACTOR WAS THE OPERATOR'S INADEQUATE SURVEILLANCE OF THE PILOT'S PROCEDURES AND THE MAINTENANCE OF THE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported an inoperative glide slope, attempted repairs, but none were made. On return, an ILS approach was attempted; ATC confirmed altitude at 1,300 ft one mile from runway. The accident site was about one mile beyond the runway.

Incident Details

The pilot of aircraft N9321Q had informed friends and other company pilots that the glide slope in the airplane was inoperative. The aircraft was operated remotely from the company's operations and maintenance offices. The pilot reported the discrepancy to the company by telephone but did not complete the discrepancy form contained in the company manual.

Maintenance Attempts

The pilot attempted to have the glide slope repaired. However, the remote maintenance facility was overloaded with work. Consequently, the pilot asked his company to intercede with the avionics shop chief to arrange for repairs to N9321Q. Despite these efforts, no repairs were made to the airplane.

Flight and Approach

The pilot commenced his normal flight schedule with the unresolved discrepancy. Upon return to the origination airport, an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach was attempted. About one mile from the runway, the air traffic control (ATC) controller obtained confirmation from the pilot that the airplane was at 1,300 feet. The pilot was asked if a missed approach would be executed, to which he responded no.

Accident Site

The accident site was located approximately one mile beyond the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15983. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.