Aircraft Collides With Ground During Approach to Alternate Airport

Casualties unknown • Fort Dodge, IA, US

An aircraft struck the ground approximately six miles from the runway end following a missed approach at its intended destination and a subsequent hurried flight to an alternate airport.

What happened

Following a missed approach at the intended destination airport, the pilot diverted to an alternate airport located roughly 15 minutes away. The pilot described this second leg of the flight as being short and hurried.

During the approach to the alternate, the pilot had not yet removed the approach plate or finished reviewing all necessary flight information before beginning the DME arc. Upon turning onto the localizer, the pilot believed the aircraft was positioned above the glideslope and inside the final approach fix. As the pilot began a descent and transitioned back to instrument flight, the aircraft collided with the ground approximately 6 miles from the end of the runway.

Probable cause

The pilot's descent below the glideslope while transitioning back to instruments during a hurried approach to an alternate airport.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-12-22 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Fort Dodge, IA?

An aircraft struck the ground approximately six miles from the runway end following a missed approach at its intended destination and a subsequent hurried flight to an alternate airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-12-22 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N7JD, at Fort Dodge, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's descent below the glideslope while transitioning back to instruments during a hurried approach to an alternate airport.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02705. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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