On December 20, 1999, a Beech E-90 (registration N75CF) was involved in an aviation accident near Beaufort, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The PIC continued the descent below the minimum descent altitude, resulting in collision with the marsh. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an ASR approach, the pilot-in-command continued descent below the minimum descent altitude, leading to the airplane colliding with marshy terrain and crashing.
Event
The pilot-in-command (PIC) was conducting an ASR (Airport Surveillance Radar) approach to the destination airport. The co-pilot was looking outside to visually acquire the airport. The crew broke out of the clouds at approximately 900 feet above ground level, with a descent rate of about 480 feet per minute. The cloud ceiling was overcast, ragged, and very dark, with no visible horizon.
Circumstances
While the co-pilot was checking the radios inside the cockpit, a thump was heard. The PIC had continued the descent below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). The airplane subsequently collided with a marsh and crashed.
Investigation
The investigation determined that the PIC continued the descent below the minimum descent altitude, resulting in the collision with the marsh.
Probable cause
The PIC continued the descent below the minimum descent altitude, resulting in collision with the marsh.