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Aircraft on VOR/DME Approach Observed Below Minimum Descent Altitude (N7285R)

Aberdeen, WA, US

On December 14, 1992, a Beech A36 (registration N7285R) operated by Wilee Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Aberdeen, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE, AND AN INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT. FACTORS INCLUDE WEATHER BELOW APPROACH MINIMUMS, FOG, DRIZZLE, AND A DARK NIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on a VOR/DME approach was seen less than 100 feet above trees in low ceiling conditions. The ceiling was about 270 feet below the minimum descent altitude. Witnesses reported drizzle, fog, and normal engine sounds.

Approach and Weather Conditions

The aircraft was in the final approach segment of a VOR/DME approach. At the time of the accident, the ceiling was approximately 270 feet lower than the minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the procedure. Witnesses described the night as dark, with drizzle and fog being blown through the hills in the area of the impact.

Witness Observations

Several witnesses observed the aircraft just prior to the crash. They reported seeing the airplane just below the clouds and less than 100 feet above the trees, at a distance of about one to two miles before the impact point. The engine sounds were described as normal and steady, and the aircraft was flying with the wings nearly level.

Pilot Communication

The pilot had told an air traffic controller that he intended to break out of the clouds on this approach and then proceed to a nearby airport that did not have a published instrument procedure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Dec 1992 Beech A36 accident near Aberdeen, WA?

An aircraft on a VOR/DME approach was seen less than 100 feet above trees in low ceiling conditions. The ceiling was about 270 feet below the minimum descent altitude. Witnesses reported drizzle, fog, and normal engine sounds.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Dec 1992 involved a Beech A36, registration N7285R, operated by Wilee Corporation, at Aberdeen, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE, AND AN INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT. FACTORS INCLUDE WEATHER BELOW APPROACH MINIMUMS, FOG, DRIZZLE, AND A DARK NIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16239. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.