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Cessna 551 Collides with Trees and Ground After Missed Approach at Crisp County Airport (N1218S)

Cordele, GA, US

On December 22, 1999, a Cessna 551 (registration N1218S) operated by William Mcmahan was involved in an aviation accident near Cordele, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow the published missed approach procedures, and to maintain proper altitude. Factors contributing to the severity of the accident were the low ceilings and trees. 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

A Cessna 551 executing a missed approach to runway 10 at Crisp County Airport in Cordele, Georgia, collided with trees and the ground. The pilot was cleared for a localizer approach but did not report the missed approach. Radar showed the aircraft descending and then disappearing.

Accident Overview

A Cessna 551 was involved in an accident at Crisp County Airport in Cordele, Georgia, after executing a missed approach to runway 10. The aircraft collided with trees and subsequently the ground.

Approach and Missed Approach

According to the Jacksonville Air Traffic Control Center, the pilot received radar vectors to the outer marker and was cleared for the non-precision localizer approach to runway 10. Recorded radar data indicated that the airplane initiated the approach at 1,900 feet mean sea level (MSL) as published. It descended to 600 feet MSL as published and overflew the airport.

The controller stated that he was waiting for the missed approach call after observing the airplane climb to 700 feet MSL. The airplane then descended back to 600 feet MSL and disappeared from radar. The controller never received a missed approach call.

Witness Observation

A witness near the airport reported hearing the airplane fly overhead but did not see it due to haze and fog.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Dec 1999 Cessna 551 accident near Cordele, GA?

A Cessna 551 executing a missed approach to runway 10 at Crisp County Airport in Cordele, Georgia, collided with trees and the ground. The pilot was cleared for a localizer approach but did not report the missed approach. Radar showed the aircraft descending and then disappearing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Dec 1999 involved a Cessna 551, registration N1218S, operated by William Mcmahan, at Cordele, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to follow the published missed approach procedures, and to maintain proper altitude. Factors contributing to the severity of the accident were the low ceilings and trees.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20191. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.