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Casualties unknown

Loss of Control During VOR Approach in Missouri (N4226B)

Camdenton, MO, US

On May 14, 1994, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N4226B) operated by Aerne, Dean M. was involved in an aviation accident near Camdenton, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor was his lack of experience flying in actual instrument flight conditions. 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 instrument-rated private pilot lost control of an aircraft while descending through a cloud deck on a VOR-A approach near Camdenton, Missouri, resulting in a near-vertical impact.

Accident Sequence

The pilot, holding an instrument rating, departed from St. Louis Downtown Parks Airport with three passengers on an IFR flight plan to Camdenton Memorial Airport in Camdenton, Missouri. While two miles northeast of the destination airport and descending through a cloud deck during the final approach segment of the VOR-A approach, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain in a near-vertical attitude.

Weather and Pilot Experience

A pilot who had flown the same approach immediately prior to the accident reported that the weather on final approach was 800 feet overcast. The accident pilot had accumulated approximately 4 hours of actual instrument flight time since receiving his instrument rating 23 months before the accident.

Investigation Findings

No evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomaly with either the airframe or engine was discovered during the investigation.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 May 1994 Bellanca 17-30A accident near Camdenton, MO?

An instrument-rated private pilot lost control of an aircraft while descending through a cloud deck on a VOR-A approach near Camdenton, Missouri, resulting in a near-vertical impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 May 1994 involved a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N4226B, operated by Aerne, Dean M., at Camdenton, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor was his lack of experience flying in actual instrument flight conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01226. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.