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Casualties unknown

Missed Approach and Diversion Ended in Collision with Quarry Wall (N40509)

Sellersburg, IN, US

On October 20, 1994, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N40509) was involved in an aviation accident near Sellersburg, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot made a missed approach due to weather, then diverted to an alternate airport. During an ILS runway 18 approach, the aircraft collided with a quarry wall about 2 miles north of the airport.

Incident Overview and Approach Sequence The pilot initially made a missed approach at an airport located about 10 miles southeast of the alternate airport because of weather. The pilot then diverted to the alternate airport, where he was cleared for an ILS runway 18 approach. After passing the final approach fix, the pilot was cleared to contact the airport's advisory service. As the airplane continued inbound, it collided with a quarry wall about 2 miles north of the airport and 1/4 mile east of the localizer centerline. ## Terrain, Elevation, and Damage The elevation at the top of the quarry wall was 480 feet MSL, while the airport elevation was 474 feet MSL. The decision height for the approach was 674 feet MSL. An examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact failure. The aircraft was extensively damaged by impact and a ground fire. ## Pilot Activity A friend reported that the pilot began his work day at 0830 EST.

Controlled flight into terrain

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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.