Fatal aircraft accident near Rio Vista Municipal Airport

2 fatalities • Rio Vista, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed during its final approach to Rio Vista Municipal Airport following a descent below the minimum descent altitude in low visibility.

What happened

During an approach to Rio Vista Municipal Airport, the pilot encountered challenging weather conditions characterized by fog and a low cloud ceiling. While performing the final approach, the aircraft type descended too low and made contact with the ground. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire. There were 2 fatalities among the occupants of the plane.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified several contributing environmental and operational factors. The area was experiencing visibility of less than half a mile due to fog and low ceilings. The primary factor in the crash was that the pilot descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) while executing a VOR-A approach.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a controlled flight into terrain during an instrument approach due to improper IFR procedures.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1981-02-12 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident near Rio Vista, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed during its final approach to Rio Vista Municipal Airport following a descent below the minimum descent altitude in low visibility.

Were there any fatalities in the 1981-02-12 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1981-02-12 involved a Cessna 414 Chancellor, registration N2729D, operated by Jack Dean Franks, at Rio Vista, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a controlled flight into terrain during an instrument approach due to improper IFR procedures.

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