On February 22, 1996, a Cessna 310 (registration N5024J) was involved in an aviation accident near Portland, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain an altitude adequate for terrain clearance. A factor was the weather. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a second NDB/GPS Runway 9 approach to Portland Airport in low visibility, a commercial-rated passenger noted the aircraft descended below the minimum descent altitude of 1,500 feet. The aircraft came to rest about half a mile south of the airport, with the altimeter indicating 1,120 feet MSL at first impact.
Incident Overview
An airplane conducting an instrument approach to Portland Airport experienced a deviation below the prescribed minimum descent altitude during its second attempt. The pilot was flying an NDB/GPS Runway 9 approach when visibility was reported as one-eighth to one-quarter mile.
Approach and Descent
During the approach, a commercial-rated passenger on board observed that the aircraft had descended below the minimum descent altitude of 1,500 feet. The passenger informed the pilot that a missed approach was necessary. The passenger later recalled seeing the altimeter reading 1,120 feet MSL at the moment of the first impact.
Final Location
The airplane came to rest approximately half a mile south of the airport boundary. No further details about the aircraft's condition or occupant status were provided in the investigative source.