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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Deviates from Localizer and Impacts Terrain During ILS Approach at Raleigh-Durham Airport (N15743)

Raleigh, NC, US

On July 5, 1995, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N15743) operated by Richard E. Bernstein was involved in an aviation accident near Raleigh, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow proper IFR procedures by descending below the decision height. Factors relating to the accident were the weather conditions and the dark night. 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

After being unable to land at Franklin County Airport due to low clouds and visibility, a pilot diverted to Raleigh-Durham Airport for an ILS approach. Radar data showed the aircraft deviating side to side of the localizer course before impacting terrain northeast of Runway 23L at approximately 400 feet MSL.

Incident Overview

The pilot of an aircraft was unable to land at the Franklin County Airport in Louisburg, North Carolina, after conducting two radar approaches and two instrument approaches. The low clouds and visibility prevented a successful landing at that airport. The pilot then diverted to Raleigh-Durham Airport for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 23L.

Approach and Impact

According to recorded radar data, the aircraft's flight path deviated from side to side of the localizer course centerline for most of the approach. The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain approximately one-half mile northeast of the approach end of Runway 23L at an altitude of approximately 400 feet mean sea level (MSL). The decision height for the ILS Runway 23L approach is 636 feet MSL.

No Further Details

The investigation source provides no information regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, occupants, injuries, or damage. No causal factors are stated, and no conclusions are drawn.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jul 1995 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Raleigh, NC?

After being unable to land at Franklin County Airport due to low clouds and visibility, a pilot diverted to Raleigh-Durham Airport for an ILS approach. Radar data showed the aircraft deviating side to side of the localizer course before impacting terrain northeast of Runway 23L at approximately 400 feet MSL.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jul 1995 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N15743, operated by Richard E. Bernstein, at Raleigh, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to follow proper IFR procedures by descending below the decision height. Factors relating to the accident were the weather conditions and the dark night.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03854. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.