Casualties unknown

ILS Approach Deviation Leads to Ground Collision at Charleston Executive Airport (N222YT)

Johns Island, SC, US

On March 27, 2005, a Cessna T206H (registration N222YT) was involved in an aviation accident near Johns Island, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow instrument flight procedures and descent below the published minimum descent altitude, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain during an instrument approach. 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

An aircraft on an ILS approach to runway 09 at Charleston Executive Airport descended below published minimums, struck the ground, and caught fire. No mechanical malfunction was found.

Accident Details

On approach to runway 09 at Charleston Executive Airport, the flight was cleared for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach. While inbound from the final approach fix, the aircraft descended below the published minimums. It collided with the ground and burst into flames approximately 866 feet left and 597 feet short of the runway threshold. The last radar return showed the airplane inbound from the final approach fix, 0.19 nautical miles from the runway, at an altitude of 200 feet above ground, and traveling at 70 knots.

Weather Conditions

At 2114 eastern standard time, the airport's weather reporting facility recorded wind from 090 degrees magnetic at nine knots, visibility of 0.25 statute miles, overcast ceiling at 100 feet, temperature 14°C, dew point 14°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.00 inches of mercury. The published weather minimums for the ILS runway 9 (S-ILS) approach are 267 feet visibility and 0.75 statute miles visibility.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the aircraft revealed fire damage but no evidence of mechanical malfunction with the airframe or engine. The ILS approach to runway 09 was test flown on March 29, 2005, by an FAA Flight Inspector and was found satisfactory.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Mar 2005 Cessna T206H accident near Johns Island, SC?

An aircraft on an ILS approach to runway 09 at Charleston Executive Airport descended below published minimums, struck the ground, and caught fire. No mechanical malfunction was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Mar 2005 involved a Cessna T206H, registration N222YT, at Johns Island, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to follow instrument flight procedures and descent below the published minimum descent altitude, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain during an instrument approach.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050331X00385. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.