Casualties unknown

Pilot Conducts ILS Approach in Low Visibility After Multiple Missed Approaches (N30SA)

Charlotte, NC, US

On December 11, 1997, a Beech A100 (registration N30SA) was involved in an aviation accident near Charlotte, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's continued approach below decision height without reference to the runway environment, and his failure to execute a missed approach. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

After a missed approach, a pilot chose an airport with zero ceiling and 1/4 mile visibility. Following a second missed approach, radar vectors were provided for an ILS approach. The flight veered right of the localizer and descended below decision height. Investigation found no anomalies with navigation aids or pilot health.

Flight Sequence

Following a missed approach at the destination, the pilot requested weather information for two nearby airports. One airport, located 53 miles northeast, reported a cloud ceiling of 900 feet and visibility of 6 miles. The other airport, 21 miles southwest, had an indefinite ceiling of zero and visibility 1/4 mile. The pilot opted for the latter airport. After completing a second missed approach, the flight proceeded to that airport.

Approach Description

Radar vectors were provided for an ILS approach to runway 36L. On the final approach, the flight veered to the right of the localizer and descended abruptly. The last recorded altitude for the flight was below the decision height.

Investigation Results

Investigation revealed no anomalies with the airport navigational aids for the approach. The airplane's navigation receivers were found to be operational. Postmortem examinations of the pilot did not reveal any pre-existing diseases, and toxicological examinations were negative for alcohol and other drugs.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09254. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.