Aircraft impact during missed approach in low visibility

No fatalities • Janesville-Southern Wisconsin Regional (Rock County), United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into the ground approximately 1,000 feet from a runway while attempting a missed approach under instrument meteorological conditions.

What happened

During an instrument flight rules (IFR) operation, an aircraft struck the terrain roughly 1,000 feet to the left of the active runway. The incident occurred during the missed approach phase of flight. At the time of the impact, the pilot was operating under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in a lack of visual reference to the ground. According to statements provided by the pilot, an attempt was made to execute a missed approach procedure, but the aircraft subsequently impacted the earth.

The crash resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and left the pilot with serious injuries.

Findings

Official investigations into the accident identified several contributing environmental and operational factors. The flight was operating in conditions characterized by low ceilings and significant obscuration, occurring during the dawn hours. Key findings regarding the pilot's actions include:

  • The decision height was reached below the required altitude.
  • There was a delay in the execution of the missed approach procedure.
  • Factors related to the pilot's motivation were noted as part of the operational analysis.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to maintain appropriate altitude relative to decision height and a delayed missed approach during low-visibility conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1986-02-26 Beechcraft G18S accident near Janesville-Southern Wisconsin Regional (Rock County), United States of America?

An aircraft crashed into the ground approximately 1,000 feet from a runway while attempting a missed approach under instrument meteorological conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1986-02-26 Beechcraft G18S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1986-02-26 involved a Beechcraft G18S, registration N723T, operated by Blackhawk Airways, at Janesville-Southern Wisconsin Regional (Rock County), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to maintain appropriate altitude relative to decision height and a delayed missed approach during low-visibility conditions.

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