What happened
On a flight from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Penticton, British Columbia, a Piper Aerostar 602P, registration N88AT, was conducting an instrument flight rules approach to runway 16. The aircraft was carrying the pilot, three passengers, and two dogs. During the approach, the pilot requested a localizer distance-measuring equipment B (LOC DME-B) approach. To avoid conflict with other traffic, the controller issued a restriction requiring the pilot to complete the procedure turn within 13 miles of the airport.
As the aircraft approached Penticton, the pilot reported being outbound on the localizer. However, the aircraft subsequently failed to respond to radio communications. Due to severe weather, an aerial search was impossible, but a ground search eventually located the wreckage two days later near the summit of Okanagan Mountain. The impact was so severe that there were no survivors. The aircraft was destroyed upon hitting a communication tower.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path, the aircraft's mechanical condition, and the pilot's adherence to approach procedures. Investigators found that the aircraft's engines were functioning at the time of impact and no pre-impact mechanical defects were identified in the engines, propellers, or control surfaces. The aircraft was properly maintained and equipped for instrument flight.
Radar data revealed that the pilot began the procedure turn at 13 DME, which was 3 nautical miles past the recommended turning point. Furthermore, the aircraft descended through the minimum altitude required for the procedure turn. At the time of the collision, the aircraft was flying at approximately 5500 feet, which, when corrected for the 0°C temperature, placed its true altitude at roughly 5400 feet—dangerously close to the top of the 5321-foot tower.
Findings
- The pilot failed to follow the established LOC DME-B approach procedures, specifically by delaying the procedure turn and descending below the minimum altitude.
- The aircraft was flying outside of protected airspace and below the minimum safe altitude for the area.
- The weather conditions at the time of the approach made a successful landing highly unlikely.
- The pilot's medical certificate had expired one month prior to the accident.