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Casualties unknown

Airport Approach Accident During ILS in Low Visibility (N5373F)

Conroe, TX, US

On February 10, 1995, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N5373F) was involved in an aviation accident near Conroe, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PUBLISHED IFR PROCEDURES. FACTORS WERE THE WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE DARK NIGHT, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ACTIVATE THE APPROACH LIGHTING SYSTEM. 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

A flight cleared for an ILS approach to Runway 14 crashed short and left of the runway in fog with obscured ceiling. The pilot, on his first visit to the airport, had called for field conditions minutes earlier. Witnesses reported no clicking sounds from approach lighting activation.

Flight and Weather Conditions

The flight was cleared for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 14. Weather conditions reported to the pilot included an obscured ceiling of 100 feet and visibility of one-half mile in fog.

Pre-Approach Actions

Before the approach, the pilot contacted the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) to inquire about field conditions. Approximately 15 to 20 minutes after that call, the aircraft was observed passing over the airport and then executing a right turn.

Accident Location

Investigators located the wreckage about one-half mile short of the runway and one-quarter mile to the left of the extended runway centerline.

Witness Observations

Witnesses inside the FBO office reported that they did not hear any clicks over the radio, which are normally heard when a pilot activates the approach lighting system.

Pilot History and Cockpit Seating

The pilot was occupying the right seat during the flight. This was the pilot's first flight into this airport.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Feb 1995 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Conroe, TX?

A flight cleared for an ILS approach to Runway 14 crashed short and left of the runway in fog with obscured ceiling. The pilot, on his first visit to the airport, had called for field conditions minutes earlier. Witnesses reported no clicking sounds from approach lighting activation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Feb 1995 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N5373F, at Conroe, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PUBLISHED IFR PROCEDURES. FACTORS WERE THE WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE DARK NIGHT, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ACTIVATE THE APPROACH LIGHTING SYSTEM.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X02953. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.