Casualties unknown

2001-05-12: Piper PA-32RT-300 (N36127) — Ithaca, NY

Ithaca, NY, US

On May 12, 2001, a Piper PA-32RT-300 (registration N36127) was involved in an aviation accident near Ithaca, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

While on an ILS approach in instrument meteorological conditions, the airplane descended below the glide path, leveled at 2,200 feet, and impacted terrain 80 feet below runway elevation. The pilot reported no malfunctions.

Accident Overview

The accident occurred during an instrument landing system (ILS) approach in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The pilot had been assigned a cruise altitude of 6,000 feet mean sea level (msl), with radar showing the airplane at 5,900 feet msl. While in IMC, air traffic control vectored the airplane onto the final approach course for the ILS.

Approach and Descent

At the localizer intercept, the airplane was descending at approximately 500 feet per minute (fpm). When the airplane was 5 miles from the Locator Outer Marker (LOM), the controller cleared the pilot for the approach and terminated radar services. The airplane crossed the LOM about one-quarter mile right of course, within 100 feet of the glide-slope crossing altitude of 2,837 feet msl.

After passing the LOM, the descent rate slowed to approximately 400 fpm, and the airplane continued descending for about 1 minute and 38 seconds. It then leveled off at 2,200 feet msl and remained at that altitude until radar contact was lost about one minute later.

Impact

Approximately 2 miles from the airport, the pilot looked outside to see if he could acquire the ground visually. He saw the ground approaching from the front of the airplane seconds before impact. The airplane impacted the ground and came to rest about 80 feet below the elevation of the runway. Prior to impact, the pilot thought the airplane was in level flight at approximately 1,000 feet above ground level (agl).

Pilot Report

The pilot reported no failure or malfunctions with the airplane. No other information regarding weather conditions, aircraft type, registration, or occupants was provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010517X00942. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.