FlightFinder
Check my flight
1 fatality

Aircraft Collides with Marsh During ASR Approach (N75CF)

Beaufort, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 19, 1999, a Beechcraft 90 King Air (registration N75CF) operated by University of South Carolina was involved in an aviation accident near Beaufort, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain the appropriate altitude (minimum descent altitude) during an area surveillance radar (ASR) approach, resulting in an in-flight collision with swampy terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During an ASR approach, the PIC descended below the minimum descent altitude, resulting in a collision with swampy terrain. The copilot had momentarily looked inside the cockpit.

Flight and Approach

The pilot-in-command (PIC) was cleared for an area surveillance radar (ASR) approach to the destination airport. The co-pilot was looking outside to obtain a visual reference on the airport. At approximately 900 feet, the aircraft broke out of the clouds. The rate of descent was about 480 feet per minute.

Weather Conditions

The ceiling was overcast, ragged, and very dark with no visible horizon. These conditions were present at the time of the approach.

Descent and Collision

The co-pilot looked back inside the cockpit to check the radios. Shortly thereafter, he heard a thump. The PIC had continued the descent below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). The airplane subsequently collided with the marsh and crashed.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause states: "The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain the appropriate altitude (minimum descent altitude) during an area surveillance radar (ASR) approach, resulting in an in-flight collision with swampy terrain. Contributing to the accident was the co-pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout during the ASR approach."

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Dec 1999 Beechcraft 90 King Air accident near Beaufort, United States of America?

During an ASR approach, the PIC descended below the minimum descent altitude, resulting in a collision with swampy terrain. The copilot had momentarily looked inside the cockpit.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Dec 1999 Beechcraft 90 King Air accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Dec 1999 involved a Beechcraft 90 King Air, registration N75CF, operated by University of South Carolina, at Beaufort, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain the appropriate altitude (minimum descent altitude) during an area surveillance radar (ASR) approach, resulting in an in-flight collision with swampy terrain. Contributing to the accident was the co-pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout during the ASR approach.

More accident analyses