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Casualties unknown

Pilot Deviated from ATC Instructions During ILS Approach in Mountainous Terrain (N6740R)

Hendersonville, NC, US

On September 15, 2001, a Cessna T-210F (registration N6740R) operated by Samuel J. Johnson was involved in an aviation accident near Hendersonville, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow the air traffic controllers verbal instructions pertaining to heading and minimum safe vectoring altitude while being vectored for an ILS approach to his destination airport. 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 an ILS approach in mountainous terrain, a pilot acknowledged a minimum safe altitude warning but failed to follow heading and altitude instructions, leading to a collision with trees and terrain.

Accident Overview

The accident occurred while the pilot was being vectored for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to a destination airport located in mountainous terrain. During the approach, the pilot was informed by air traffic control that he was below the minimum safe vectoring altitude and was provided with a course correction. The pilot acknowledged the instructions but subsequently did not follow the heading and altitude instructions provided by the controller. The airplane subsequently collided with trees and terrain.

Investigation Findings

An examination of the airframe and flight controls revealed no evidence of a pre-crash mechanical failure or malfunction. All components necessary for flight were present at the crash site. Continuity of the flight control system was confirmed for pitch, roll, and yaw. No further causal factors were identified in the investigation.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Sept 2001 Cessna T-210F accident near Hendersonville, NC?

During an ILS approach in mountainous terrain, a pilot acknowledged a minimum safe altitude warning but failed to follow heading and altitude instructions, leading to a collision with trees and terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Sept 2001 involved a Cessna T-210F, registration N6740R, operated by Samuel J. Johnson, at Hendersonville, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to follow the air traffic controllers verbal instructions pertaining to heading and minimum safe vectoring altitude while being vectored for an ILS approach to his destination airport. This resulted in an in-flight collision with trees and terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010924X01981. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.