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.
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.