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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Destroyed After Impacting Trees and Terrain During Instrument Approach (N15900)

Gaylord, MI, US

On October 25, 2000, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N15900) was involved in an aviation accident near Gaylord, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining proper glideslope and localizer alignment during the precision instrument approach, the pilot continuing flight below the decision height, the pilot not performing a missed approach, and the pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance… 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

During a precision instrument approach in low visibility, the airplane impacted trees and terrain, coming to rest 0.66 nm left of course and 2.44 nm from the runway. No anomalies were found with the aircraft or approach systems.

Accident Overview

The airplane was destroyed when it impacted trees and terrain while conducting a precision instrument approach. The wreckage was located 0.66 nautical miles left of the course centerline and 2.44 nautical miles from the runway threshold.

Weather Conditions

Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Visibility was reported as 1/4 statute mile, and vertical visibility was 100 feet above ground level. The published landing minimums for the instrument approach were a cloud height of 200 feet agl and a visibility of 1/2 statute mile.

Aircraft and Systems

Post-accident examination found no anomalies with the airplane, engine, or systems that could be identified as existing prior to impact. Additionally, the instrument approach was flight-tested after the accident and was fully operational with no discrepancies.

Air Traffic Control and Pilot Information

According to the investigation, air traffic control did not issue the current weather conditions to the pilot or verify that the pilot had the current weather conditions prior to issuing the clearance for the instrument approach. The pilot was not current for operations in instrument meteorological conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Oct 2000 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Gaylord, MI?

During a precision instrument approach in low visibility, the airplane impacted trees and terrain, coming to rest 0.66 nm left of course and 2.44 nm from the runway. No anomalies were found with the aircraft or approach systems.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Oct 2000 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N15900, at Gaylord, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot not maintaining proper glideslope and localizer alignment during the precision instrument approach, the pilot continuing flight below the decision height, the pilot not performing a missed approach, and the pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance from the trees and terrain. Contributing factors to the…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22114. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.