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Improper IFR Operation Leads to Collision with Trees on Approach to Hopewell Airport (N348E)

Hopewell, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 24, 1968, a Cessna 401 (registration N348E) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Hopewell, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the result of improper IFR operation on part of the pilot. The following factors were considered as contributing: - Low ceiling, - Obstruction to vision, - The pilot did not execute a missed approach when runway was not in sight, - The… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On final approach to Hopewell Airport, the pilot failed to execute a missed approach despite poor visibility and struck trees, resulting in injuries to five occupants and destruction of the airplane by fire.

Sequence of Events

The pilot was on final approach to Hopewell Airport. Poor visibility prevented him from locating the runway lights. Despite not having the runway in sight, he did not execute a missed approach. The airplane continued to descend until it struck trees and crashed in flames in a wooded area.

Injuries and Damage

All five occupants of the airplane were injured. The airplane was destroyed by a post-crash fire.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the accident was the result of improper IFR operation on the part of the pilot. The following factors were considered as contributing: low ceiling, obstruction to vision, the pilot did not execute a missed approach when the runway was not in sight, and the visibility was reduced due to smoke from a local factory and fog.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Oct 1968 Cessna 401 accident near Hopewell, United States of America?

On final approach to Hopewell Airport, the pilot failed to execute a missed approach despite poor visibility and struck trees, resulting in injuries to five occupants and destruction of the airplane by fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Oct 1968 Cessna 401 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Oct 1968 involved a Cessna 401, registration N348E, operated by Private United States of America, at Hopewell, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was the result of improper IFR operation on part of the pilot. The following factors were considered as contributing: - Low ceiling, - Obstruction to vision, - The pilot did not execute a missed approach when runway was not in sight, - The visibility was reduced due to smoke from a local factory and fog.

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