On December 2, 1993, a Jetstream BA-3100 (registration N334PX) operated by Express Airlines Ii, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Hibbing, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The captain delayed the start of the descent, requiring an excessive descent rate to reach the final approach fix and minimum descent height. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft on a localizer back course approach struck trees and terrain about 3 miles from the runway. The captain's delayed descent led to an excessive descent rate, and the flightcrew lost altitude awareness, descending below mandatory altitudes. Issues with crew coordination and management oversight were identified.
Approach and Descent
While conducting a localizer back course approach, the aircraft collided with trees and terrain approximately 3 miles from the runway threshold. The captain delayed the start of the descent, which subsequently required an excessive descent rate to reach the final approach fix and minimum descent height. The captain's actions led to distractions during critical phases of the approach. As a result, the flightcrew lost altitude awareness and allowed the airplane to descend below mandatory level off points.
Crew Coordination and Management
An examination of the captain's record raised questions about his airmanship and behavior, suggesting a lack of crew coordination during flight operations, including intimidation of first officers. Company management did not address these matters adequately. The airline's flight operations management failed to implement provisions to adequately oversee the training of their flightcrews and the operation of their aircraft.
Oversight Issues
The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) guidance to their inspectors concerning implementation of OPS Bulletins is inadequate and has failed to transmit valuable safety information as intended to airlines.
Probable cause
The captain delayed the start of the descent, requiring an excessive descent rate to reach the final approach fix and minimum descent height. The flightcrew lost altitude awareness and descended below mandatory level off points due to distractions during critical phases of the approach.