On December 13, 1985, a Cessna 414 Chancellor (registration N13FH) operated by Hertrich Family of Automobile Dealerships was involved in an aviation accident near Georgetown-Sussex County, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during approach due to low ceiling, pilot exceeding proper descent rate, improper use of procedures, and failure to maintain clearance; followed by collision with trees during uncontrolled descent. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During a coupled VOR approach, the pilot disconnected altitude hold and lowered flaps. The electric trim then pitched the nose down, leading to tree impact. Both occupants were uninjured.
Accident Narrative
The aircraft was conducting a VOR approach under instrument flight rules. The autopilot was engaged and coupled to the approach. The pilot had set the altitude hold and altitude alert to the minimum descent altitude (MDA). Upon sighting the airport environment, the pilot disconnected the altitude hold and began extending the flaps to the full down position. At that instant, the electric trim system caused the nose of the aircraft to pitch downward. The aircraft impacted trees and then struck the ground. Both persons on board escaped without injury.
Investigation
The official investigation divided the event into two occurrences: an in-flight loss of control during the approach from the final approach fix to the threshold, followed by an uncontrolled descent collision with terrain. The contributing factors were low ceiling conditions, the pilot exceeding the proper descent rate, improper use of procedures, and failure to maintain clearance. The collision involved trees.
Probable cause
Loss of control during approach due to low ceiling, pilot exceeding proper descent rate, improper use of procedures, and failure to maintain clearance; followed by collision with trees during uncontrolled descent.