On August 31, 1977, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration N125TF) operated by Johnston Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Detroit-Willow Run (Ypsilanti), United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain on final approach due to improper IFR operation. The following contributing factors were reported: - Fog, - Visibility half a mile or less, - Weather conditions below minimums. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a night approach to Detroit-Willow Run Airport, the pilot encountered fog and failed to maintain altitude, resulting in a crash short of the runway. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was killed.
Accident Details
On a night approach to Detroit-Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the pilot encountered foggy conditions. The pilot did not realize that the airplane's altitude was too low, and the aircraft struck the ground and crashed several miles short of the runway. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was killed.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be controlled flight into terrain on final approach due to improper IFR operation. Contributing factors reported included fog, visibility of half a mile or less, and weather conditions below minimums.
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