Aircraft impact during ILS approach in thunderstorm

Casualties unknown • Williamsport, IN, US

A flight instructor and student pilot were involved in a terrain impact while attempting an instrument approach amidst lightning and turbulence.

What happened

The aircraft was being vectored for an ILSS RWY 21 approach under weather conditions consisting of rain, lightning, and light to occasional moderate turbulence. The flight instructor and student pilot continued the approach, and as the aircraft intercepted the glideslope, a brilliant flash of lightning occurred. Following this flash, the crew received off flags for both the localizer and the glideslope.

As the flight instructor instructed the student pilot to break off the approach, the airplane descended into the terrain. At the time of the accident, a convective SIGMET for embedded thunderstorms was in effect and had been broadcast to the aircraft; however, the flight instructor misinterpreted the SIGMET information and believed it did not apply to their specific area.

Probable cause

The flight instructor's misinterpretation of the convective SIGMET regarding the location of embedded thunderstorms, combined with the decision to continue the approach in weather containing lightning and turbulence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-09-24 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Williamsport, IN?

A flight instructor and student pilot were involved in a terrain impact while attempting an instrument approach amidst lightning and turbulence.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-09-24 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N55DH, at Williamsport, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's misinterpretation of the convective SIGMET regarding the location of embedded thunderstorms, combined with the decision to continue the approach in weather containing lightning and turbulence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02230. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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