2 fatalities

1992-04-09: Beechcraft 90 King Air (N105FL) — Government of Florida — Saint Augustine, United States of America

Saint Augustine, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 9, 1992, a Beechcraft 90 King Air (registration N105FL) operated by Government of Florida was involved in an aviation accident near Saint Augustine, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot descended below the minimum descent altitude while failing to adhere to the prescribed instrument approach procedure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781211100Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft disappeared from radar while performing a VOR runway 13 approach in heavy fog, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

During an approach to the runway 13 via VOR, the aircraft vanished from radar surveillance approximately 1.5 miles before reaching the airport. Radar tracking indicated that the flight's ground speed, descent rate, and altitude remained aligned with the established approach profile until contact was lost. The final recorded position of the aircraft placed it at an altitude of 100 feet, positioned directly on the extended centerline of the runway.

Following the disappearance, a debris field was identified along a magnetic heading of 130°. Local witnesses reported that environmental conditions at the time were characterized by near-zero visibility due to dense fog. The accident resulted in two fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.

Findings

Investigation into the crash determined that the primary factor was the pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedures, which led to the aircraft descending below the required minimum descent altitude. This error was compounded by the presence of heavy fog and a low cloud ceiling during the flight.

Probable cause

The pilot descended below the minimum descent altitude while failing to adhere to the prescribed instrument approach procedure.