On December 11, 1982, a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (registration N8001Q) operated by Carey Hilliard's Restaurant was involved in an aviation accident near Savannah, United States of America during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by a loss of engine power and subsequent loss of control during a missed approach in low-visibility conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft crashed short of the runway during a missed approach procedure at Charleston, resulting in the deaths of all four people on board.
What happened
During an instrument flight rules (IFR) missed approach, the pilot attempted to return to Charleston by maintaining a heading of 360°. The aircraft struck the ground approximately 100 feet short of the departure end of runway 27, specifically about a quarter mile south of the runway. The debris field was oriented toward a heading of 155°. At the time of the accident, the flight was operating under conditions involving low ceilings, fog, and darkness, with visibility below established approach and landing minimums.
Findings
Investigation into the wreckage revealed mechanical issues within the engine components. The propeller drive gear shaft in the left engine showed signs of bending and torsional failure. Additionally, the left turbocharger experienced a tension failure of the turbine wheel shaft, with impact marks visible on the housing. Discrepancies were noted between the engine tachometer readings, with the number 1 needle at 900 rpm and the number 2 needle at 1,900 rpm. The loss of engine power was a primary factor in the sequence of events. All four occupants perished in the crash of the unspecified aircraft type.
Probable cause
The accident was caused by a loss of engine power and subsequent loss of control during a missed approach in low-visibility conditions.