On December 21, 1979, a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (registration N5428J) operated by Sterling Stores Company was involved in an aviation accident near Locust Grove, United States of America during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with trees on final approach after the pilot exercised poor judgment. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine airplane struck trees and crashed in flames about six miles from Locust Grove Airport during approach in poor weather. All four occupants were killed. Probable cause was collision with trees after poor judgment.
Accident Details
While on approach to Locust Grove Airport, the pilot of a twin-engine airplane encountered poor weather conditions. The aircraft struck trees and crashed in flames in hilly, wooded terrain approximately six miles from the airport. The airplane was destroyed, and all four occupants were killed.
Investigation
Investigators determined that the accident occurred when the airplane collided with trees on final approach. The pilot's poor judgment was identified as the probable cause. Multiple contributing factors were reported:
Improper instrument flight rules (IFR) operation
Inadequate airways facilities
Low ceiling
Fog
High obstructions in the area
Poorly planned approach
Visibility of one-quarter mile or less
Non-directional beacon (NDB) and compass locator for the simplified directional facility (SDF) were inoperative
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was the pilot's poor judgment, resulting in a collision with trees during final approach. The contributing factors listed above were reported as additional circumstances.