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3 fatalities

Night GPS Approach Results in Tree Strike (N421TJ)

Somerset, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 16, 2003, a Cessna 421A Golden Eagle I (registration N421TJ) operated by Great Northern Aircraft was involved in an aviation accident near Somerset, United States of America during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow the instrument approach procedure, which resulted in an early descent into trees and terrain. Factors included the low ceiling and the night lighting conditions. 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 a night GPS instrument approach in IMC, the aircraft descended below minimums and struck trees before the missed approach point. Witnesses reported low altitude and loud engines. No mechanical malfunction was found.

Accident Details

The aircraft joined the inbound course for the GPS instrument approach between the intermediate approach fix and the final approach fix. It maintained an altitude approximately 200 feet below the sector minimum. The last radar return showed the airplane about 3/4 nautical miles beyond the final approach fix and about 1,000 feet left of the course centerline. An initial tree strike was found about 1 nautical mile before the missed approach point, approximately 700 feet left of the course centerline, at an elevation about 480 feet below the minimum descent altitude. Night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

Witness Reports

Witnesses reported seeing the airplane flying at a "very low altitude" just prior to its impact with hilly terrain. They also described the sound of the airplane's engines as "really loud" and "a constant roar."

Investigation Findings

There was no evidence of mechanical malfunction. The probable cause was determined to be the pilot's failure to follow the instrument approach procedure, which resulted in an early descent into trees and terrain. Factors included the low ceiling and the night lighting conditions.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Feb 2003 Cessna 421A Golden Eagle I accident near Somerset, United States of America?

During a night GPS instrument approach in IMC, the aircraft descended below minimums and struck trees before the missed approach point. Witnesses reported low altitude and loud engines. No mechanical malfunction was found.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Feb 2003 Cessna 421A Golden Eagle I accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Feb 2003 involved a Cessna 421A Golden Eagle I, registration N421TJ, operated by Great Northern Aircraft, at Somerset, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to follow the instrument approach procedure, which resulted in an early descent into trees and terrain. Factors included the low ceiling and the night lighting conditions.

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