Aircraft Impacted Terrain During Approach at Twin Falls, Idaho

Casualties unknown • Twin Falls, ID, US

A pilot flying from Vero Beach, Florida, diverted to an alternate airport in Idaho where the aircraft struck terrain during a second approach attempt.

What happened

Following an all-day flight originating from Vero Beach, Florida, the pilot diverted from the intended destination to an alternate airport at Twin Falls, Idaho. The pilot attempted a coupled ILS approach; however, during this initial attempt, the autopilot disengaged, resulting in a missed approach.

The pilot then elected to hand-fly a second approach attempt after being unable to reengage the autopilot. During this second attempt, the aircraft descended below the glide path and impacted terrain. The impact occurred in a level plowed field, causing the aircraft to roll over.

At the time of the accident, weather conditions were characterized by one-half mile visibility and a cloud layer that was 200 feet obscured. Following the impact, the pilot attempted to use his radios and discovered the ELT was not transmitting, prompting him to manually activate the ELT.

The pilot was the sole occupant and was not injured.

Probable cause

The pilot descended below the established glide path during a manual approach attempt while operating in low visibility conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-12-12 Piper PA-46 accident near Twin Falls, ID?

A pilot flying from Vero Beach, Florida, diverted to an alternate airport in Idaho where the aircraft struck terrain during a second approach attempt.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-12-12 involved a Piper PA-46, registration N856M, operated by David & Patricia Wilson, at Twin Falls, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot descended below the established glide path during a manual approach attempt while operating in low visibility conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16244. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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