Aircraft Collides with Static Wires During ILS Approach

Casualties unknown • Hyannis, MA, US

An aircraft flying an ILS Runway 15 approach collided with static wires approximately two miles north of the runway during periods of turbulence and downdrafts.

What happened

While executing an ILS Runway 15 approach, the N402BK struck static wires located approximately two miles north of the runway. The wires were positioned directly within the aircraft's flight path and aligned with the ILS final approach course.

At the time of the accident, the local control tower was closed. Prior to the arrival of N402BK, three other aircraft had completed the same approach. The pilots of those preceding aircraft reported encountering downdrafts and turbulence at altitudes between 500 and 700 feet MSL. These pilots noted that the downdrafts forced their aircraft below the glide slope, requiring them to adjust pitch attitude or increase power to rejoin the correct descent path.

Weather observations from Otis Air National Guard Base recorded an indefinite ceiling of 100 feet with obscured skies, visibility of 3/4 miles, light rain, and fog. The temperature was 59 degrees Fahrenheit, with a dew point of 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds were reported at 170 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 19 knots, with an altimeter setting of 29.96 inches HG.

Probable cause

The aircraft collided with static wires located in the flight path during an approach characterized by significant downdrafts and turbulence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-11-19 Cessna 402C accident near Hyannis, MA?

An aircraft flying an ILS Runway 15 approach collided with static wires approximately two miles north of the runway during periods of turbulence and downdrafts.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-11-19 involved a Cessna 402C, registration N402BK, operated by Island Airlines, Inc., at Hyannis, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft collided with static wires located in the flight path during an approach characterized by significant downdrafts and turbulence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02642. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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