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Casualties unknown

VFR Pilot Loses Visual Reference During Circling Approach in IMC (N363N)

Marfa, TX, US

On January 30, 1993, a Beech 65-A90 (registration N363N) operated by Johnson, Dennis was involved in an aviation accident near Marfa, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with the runway while circling to land in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a controlled flight into terrain. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot conducting a dark night cross-country flight in instrument meteorological conditions lost visual contact with the runway while circling to land, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain.

What happened

The aircraft was operating during a dark night cross-country flight under instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot had been cleared for a VOR approach to runway 30. Due to unfavorable winds, the pilot elected to circle to land on runway 12 instead. While on a right downwind leg, visual contact with the runway was lost and not reestablished. The pilot continued the descent on the base leg and impacted the terrain in a slight right turn.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the loss of visual reference during the circling maneuver. Factors such as wind conditions and visibility were examined to determine why the pilot could not maintain sight of the runway environment.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with the runway while circling to land in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jan 1993 Beech 65-A90 accident near Marfa, TX?

A pilot conducting a dark night cross-country flight in instrument meteorological conditions lost visual contact with the runway while circling to land, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jan 1993 involved a Beech 65-A90, registration N363N, operated by Johnson, Dennis, at Marfa, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with the runway while circling to land in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a controlled flight into terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11704. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.