On November 28, 1989, a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (registration N3359Q) operated by Mid Eastern Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Chesapeake, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged distance and altitude to the runway, while on final approach to land. The light condition at dusk was a related factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During a visual approach to runway 23 at dusk, the aircraft descended through 350 feet msl at 105 knots with flaps extended 25°, but struck trees and crashed about 1/8 mile short of the runway. Both occupants sustained slight injuries.
Incident Overview
The pilot returned to the airport at dusk and initiated a visual approach to runway 23. According to the pilot's report, as the aircraft descended through 350 feet msl on final approach, it was aligned with the runway, the airspeed was 105 knots, and the flaps were extended 25°. Despite these parameters, the aircraft struck trees and subsequently crashed approximately 1/8 mile short of the runway threshold.
Post-Impact Conditions
No mechanical malfunction was reported by the pilot or discovered during the investigation. The airport elevation is 20 feet. Both occupants aboard the aircraft sustained slight injuries.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be the pilot's misjudgment of distance and altitude to the runway while on final approach to land. The light condition at dusk was cited as a related factor.