Aircraft crash during approach to Harrisburg-City Airport

No fatalities • Harrisburg-Capital City, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in a wooded area near Harrisburg-City Airport after striking trees during a low-visibility approach.

What happened

During an approach into Harrisburg-City Airport, a twin engine aircraft encountered heavy fog that significantly reduced visibility. While on final approach, the aircraft descended to an altitude below the safe threshold and made contact with treetops. The impact occurred in a nearby wooded area, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe. The pilot sustained injuries during the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the incident was the result of improper IFR operation. Specifically, the pilot descended below the established landing minimums while operating under instrument flight rules in the foggy conditions.

Probable cause

The pilot conducted an improper instrument flight rules approach by descending below the published minimum altitudes.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1967-12-12 Beechcraft D18 accident near Harrisburg-Capital City, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in a wooded area near Harrisburg-City Airport after striking trees during a low-visibility approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 1967-12-12 Beechcraft D18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1967-12-12 involved a Beechcraft D18, registration N5869C, operated by Reading Aviation Service, at Harrisburg-Capital City, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot conducted an improper instrument flight rules approach by descending below the published minimum altitudes.

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