What happened
On February 3, 2014, at approximately 2300 CST, a Cessna 525 operating as N61YP was performing an instrument approach to runway 17 at Elk City Regional Business Airport (ELK) in Elk City, Oklahoma. The flight, which departed from Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) in South Dakota, was carrying the pilot and six passengers.
During the approach, the aircraft struck a 29-foot tall electric utility pole at an altitude of approximately 10 feet 7 inches above ground level. The impact caused the pole to separate, scattering debris into a nearby snow-covered wheat field. Following the collision, the pilot successfully executed a missed approach. The aircraft subsequently landed at Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City without further incident.
At the time of the accident, the weather consisted of dark night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with visibility of 4 miles in mist and an overcast ceiling of 500 feet. There was no illumination from the sun or moon.
The investigation
Air traffic control radar data indicated that after crossing the final approach fix, the aircraft descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) of 2,480 feet MSL. Radar showed the aircraft at 2,100 feet MSL approximately 0.3 miles north of the impact site, and at 2,200 feet MSL approximately 24 seconds later, 0.5 miles south of the impact site.
Post-accident examination of the Cessna 525 revealed substantial damage to the nose structure, the upper and lower fuselage, and the left side of the horizontal stabilizer. The right side of the radome sustained impact damage, and a penetrating impact was found in the forward avionics bay. While both engines ingested foreign objects, there was no significant loss of engine power. An investigation of the aircraft's static system, altimeters, vertical speed indicators, and radar altimeter system found no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation.
Findings
- The pilot descended below the published minimum descent altitude for the instrument approach.
- The pilot believed the aircraft had leveled at an indicated altitude of 2,500 feet MSL and stated that the radar altimeter did not provide an alert for an altitude below 400 feet AGL.
- The pilot reported that the terrain, obstructions, and runway lights were not visible during the approach.
- The pilot's second-class medical certificate had expired.