On March 4, 1995, a Cessna 208B (registration N227DM) was involved in an aviation accident near Gainesville, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE DURING THE APPROACH. THE WEATHER AND DARK NIGHT LIGHT CONDITION WERE FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A flight conducting a non-precision NDB approach to Runway 4 impacted terrain near the airport after descending from overcast clouds in a nose-down, left-wing-down attitude. Weather included low ceilings and visibility.
Approach and Weather
The flight was executing a non-precision NDB approach to Runway 4. After reporting the procedure turn inbound, the crew was cleared to change to the advisory frequency. Witnesses in the area described the weather conditions as having ceilings of about 100 feet and visibility of about 500 feet in light rain and fog.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses observed the airplane descend out of the base of the overcast clouds in a 10-degree nose-down, 45-degree left-wing-down attitude. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain approximately three-quarters of a mile south-southeast of the airport. The minimum descent altitude for the approach is 465 feet above ground level.
What happened in the 4 Mar 1995 Cessna 208B accident near Gainesville, GA?
A flight conducting a non-precision NDB approach to Runway 4 impacted terrain near the airport after descending from overcast clouds in a nose-down, left-wing-down attitude. Weather included low ceilings and visibility.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Mar 1995 involved a Cessna 208B, registration N227DM, at Gainesville, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE DURING THE APPROACH. THE WEATHER AND DARK NIGHT LIGHT CONDITION WERE FACTORS.
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