FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Tree Strike During Circling Approach After Altitude Deviations (N2949Q)

Doylestown, PA, US

On November 22, 1994, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N2949Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Doylestown, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's descent below the published minimum circling altitude, and his failure to execute the published missed approach procedure during a night IFR instrument approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night VOR approach, the pilot descended 300 feet below the minimum descent altitude and circled below minimum circling altitude. While in the third circle, the airplane struck trees near the runway. Weather at a nearby airport was 100-foot obscured sky and 1/4-mile visibility.

Accident Overview

The accident occurred during the return leg of a flight conducted for compensation. The en route portion was uneventful. While executing a night VOR approach to the destination airport, the pilot descended 300 feet below the minimum descent altitude. After overflying the runway, the pilot circled the airport twice at altitudes between 300 and 500 feet below the minimum circling altitude. During the third circle, the airplane struck trees approximately one-quarter mile from the runway.

Weather Conditions

An airport 8 miles from the accident site reported weather as indefinite 100-foot sky obscured, visibility one-quarter mile, with light drizzle and fog.

Pilot Information and Equipment

Neither of the two VOR receivers in the airplane were tuned to the frequency used for the VOR final approach course or the missed approach procedure. During the previous 12 months, the pilot had logged one instrument approach.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Nov 1994 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Doylestown, PA?

During a night VOR approach, the pilot descended 300 feet below the minimum descent altitude and circled below minimum circling altitude. While in the third circle, the airplane struck trees near the runway. Weather at a nearby airport was 100-foot obscured sky and 1/4-mile visibility.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Nov 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N2949Q, at Doylestown, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's descent below the published minimum circling altitude, and his failure to execute the published missed approach procedure during a night IFR instrument approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02644. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.