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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Tower During Non-Precision Approach (N121BG)

Killingworth, CT, US

On October 4, 1999, a Cessna 182R (registration N121BG) was involved in an aviation accident near Killingworth, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure follow the published instrument approach procedure. A factor in the accident was the low cloud ceiling. 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

An airplane struck a tower 2.6 miles northwest of the airport while executing a non-precision approach. Fog prevented determination of tower top light illumination.

Accident Details

During the execution of a non-precision approach, the airplane impacted a tower located approximately 2.6 miles northwest of the airport. The approach procedure flight track, as depicted on the approach chart, was 076 degrees. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the airplane's heading indicator bug was selected to 075 degrees. The number one navigational OMNI head OBS was selected to 055 degrees.

Witness Information

A witness, who recorded the condition of the tower lighting daily, stated that the illumination of the top light on the tower could not be determined on the day of the accident due to fog.

Navigational Data

A plot was drawn from the Initial Approach Fix (IAF) to the tower. The distance from the VOR to the tower was approximately 8.6 statute miles, on a course of about 050 degrees true.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Oct 1999 Cessna 182R accident near Killingworth, CT?

An airplane struck a tower 2.6 miles northwest of the airport while executing a non-precision approach. Fog prevented determination of tower top light illumination.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Oct 1999 involved a Cessna 182R, registration N121BG, at Killingworth, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure follow the published instrument approach procedure. A factor in the accident was the low cloud ceiling.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20024. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.