Aircraft Collision with Quarry Wall During ILS Approach

Casualties unknown • Sellersburg, IN, US

An aircraft collided with a quarry wall while performing an ILS approach to an alternate airport following a missed approach due to weather.

What happened

Following a missed approach at an airport located approximately 10 miles southeast of an alternate airport due to adverse weather, the pilot diverted to the alternate field. The pilot was cleared for an ILS Runway 18 approach. After passing the final approach fix, the pilot received clearance to contact the airport's advisory service.

While continuing the inbound flight, the aircraft struck a quarry wall. The collision occurred approximately 2 miles north of the airport and 1/4 mile east of the localizer centerline. At the time of the accident, the elevation at the top of the quarry wall was 480' MSL, while the airport elevation was 474' MSL. The decision height for the approach was established at 674' MSL.

The investigation

An examination of the aircraft revealed no preimpact failure. However, the aircraft sustained extensive damage resulting from the impact and a subsequent ground fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-10-20 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Sellersburg, IN?

An aircraft collided with a quarry wall while performing an ILS approach to an alternate airport following a missed approach due to weather.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-10-20 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N40509, at Sellersburg, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO FOLLOW IFR PROCEDURES BY ALLOWING THE AIRCRAFT TO DEVIATE LEFT OF THE ILS LOCALIZER COURSE, BY NOT MAINTAINING THE PROPER ILS GLIDE PATH, AND BY CONTINUING DESCENT BELOW THE ILS DECISION HEIGHT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02397. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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