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Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Trees During Night ILS Approach in Mountainous Terrain (N250RP)

Butte, MT, US

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.

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

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.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jan 1995 Beech E18S accident near Butte, MT?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jan 1995 involved a Beech E18S, registration N250RP, at Butte, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X02913. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.