On January 27, 1995, a Beech E18S (registration N250RP) was involved in an aviation accident near Butte, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE IFR PROCEDURE BY NOT MAINTAINING THE PROPER ALTITUDE PRIOR TO THE INITIAL APPRAOCH FIX. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS AND A LOW CEILING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane collided with trees during an ILS approach at night in instrument meteorological conditions. The wreckage was found under the localizer path at 7,600 feet. No mechanical failure was found.
Accident Details
The accident occurred while the airplane was conducting an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach at night and in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The airplane struck trees in mountainous terrain before reaching the initial approach fix (IAF). The minimum descent altitude (MDA) prior to the IAF was 10,600 feet. The descent altitude at the outer marker (OM) was 7,713 feet. Investigators located the wreckage under the localizer path at an elevation of 7,600 feet.
Wreckage Examination
Damage to tree tops along the wreckage distribution path indicated that the airplane traveled through the trees on a level plane until making contact with the ground approximately 300 feet into the path. Weather conditions at the time included light snowfall and visibility deteriorating due to fog.
Mechanical Findings
During the post-crash investigation, no evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction.