What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-01-07 involved a Beech 58P, registration N700LF, at Yamhill, OR.

Aircraft Collides with Trees While Maneuvering for Contact Approach (N700LF)

On January 7, 1999, a Beech 58P (registration N700LF) was involved in an aviation accident near Yamhill, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from hilly terrain while maneuvering below a low ceiling. Factors include a dark night, a low ceiling, fog, and hilly terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

On a dark night, a pilot on a VOR DME approach requested a contact approach after weather dropped below VFR minimums. While maneuvering under low ceiling in hilly terrain with ground fog, the aircraft struck pine trees and then hardwood trees.

Accident Overview

While en route to his intended destination on a dark night, the pilot encountered weather that lowered to less than visual flight rules (VFR) minimums. Approach control cleared the pilot direct to the associated VOR for a VOR DME approach. Upon reaching the VOR, the pilot reported seeing the ground and intended to descend and make a visual approach.

Sequence of Events

Approach control asked the pilot if he was requesting a contact approach or canceling his IFR clearance, explaining that a visual approach required sight of the airport. The pilot responded that he wanted to shoot a contact approach, and approach control cleared him for the procedure. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft was observed maneuvering underneath a low ceiling in hilly terrain where ground fog was present.

Terrain and Weather Conditions

While maneuvering in the hilly terrain, the aircraft collided with a row of pine trees near the top of a hill. After the initial impact, it continued for about 1,000 feet before impacting a thick stand of hardwood trees.

1999-01-07: Beech 58P (N700LF) — Yamhill, OR

Accident Overview

Sequence of Events

Terrain and Weather Conditions

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