Casualties unknown

1992-12-12: Piper PA-46 (N856M) — David & Patricia Wilson — Twin Falls, ID

Twin Falls, ID, US

On December 12, 1992, a Piper PA-46 (registration N856M) operated by David & Patricia Wilson was involved in an aviation accident near Twin Falls, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE ILS GLIDE PATH. 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.

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

After a flight from Vero Beach, Florida, a pilot diverted to Twin Falls, Idaho, due to weather. During a coupled ILS approach, the autopilot disengaged, leading to a missed approach. On a hand-flown approach, the aircraft descended below the glide path and impacted terrain.

Flight Diversion and Initial Approach

The pilot had completed an all-day flight from Vero Beach, Florida, and was en route to the intended destination. However, due to conditions at the destination, the pilot diverted to the alternate airport at Twin Falls, Idaho. Upon arrival, the pilot attempted a coupled instrument landing system (ILS) approach.

Autopilot Disengagement and Missed Approach

During the coupled ILS approach, the autopilot disengaged. The pilot subsequently executed a missed approach. Attempts to reengage the autopilot were unsuccessful, leading the pilot to elect to hand fly the approach.

Second Approach and Impact

On the second approach attempt, the pilot descended below the glide path. The aircraft then impacted terrain. The collision occurred in a level plowed field. After impact, the aircraft rolled over.

Weather Conditions at the Time

Meteorological conditions at the time of the occurrence were reported as one half mile visibility and a 200-foot obscured cloud layer.

Post-Impact Actions

Following the impact, the pilot attempted to use the radios. Discovering that the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was not transmitting, the pilot manually activated the ELT.

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.