What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-06-03 involved a Cessna 340A, registration N171DB, at Fort Wayne, IN.

Pilot Descends Below Glide Path and Lands Short After Three Approaches (N171DB)

On June 3, 1997, a Cessna 340A (registration N171DB) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Wayne, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot did not comply with the decision height and his attention was diverted from his cockpit scan. The factors involved were the weather conditions were at landing minimums and a flight to his destination alternate was not performed. 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 1781061362Data API Editorial standards

A pilot flying ILS approaches in low visibility executed two missed approaches before a third approach with radar surveillance led to landing short of the runway due to descending below the glide path.

Event Description

During an ILS approach in conditions of 1 mile visibility and a 200-foot ceiling, the pilot observed the runway lights to the right side of the aircraft upon reaching decision height. Despite this visibility, the pilot executed a missed approach. A second approach was conducted under the same weather conditions, again resulting in a missed approach.

For the third attempt, the pilot requested a radar surveillance approach to be coupled with the ILS approach for glide slope information. As the pilot focused on the runway, they inadvertently descended below the glide path and landed short of the runway.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported: "I fixed my eyes on the runway and inadvertently descended below the glide path and landed short of the runway."

Equipment Checks

No discrepancies were discovered with the Nav #1 or Nav #2 instrumentation regarding ILS centering, deflection, and sensitivity.

Conclusion

The sequence of events involved three ILS approaches in low visibility, with the final approach resulting in a landing short of the runway due to the pilot descending below the glide path. No equipment malfunctions were found.

1997-06-03: Cessna 340A (N171DB) — Fort Wayne, IN