2 fatalities

Collision with Power Cables During Go-Around in Fog at Decatur-Crystal Lake Airport (N31LP)

Decatur-Crystal Lake, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On March 20, 1980, a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III (registration N31LP) operated by Peterson Industries was involved in an aviation accident near Decatur-Crystal Lake, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with wires/poles during a go-around after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

On an instrument approach, the pilot cancelled IFR and continued VFR into fog. During a go-around, the twin-engine airplane struck power cables and crashed in flames, killing both occupants.

Accident Summary

During an instrument approach to Decatur-Crystal Lake Airport, the pilot cancelled the IFR flight plan and proceeded under visual flight rules (VFR) when encountering limited visibility due to fog. The pilot decided to initiate a go-around, but the twin-engine airplane struck power cables and crashed in flames. Both occupants were killed.

Probable Cause and Contributing Factors

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be collision with wires/poles during a go-around after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors reported include: fog, high obstructions, weather conditions below minimums, fog on runway surface, runway lights on, and VASI inoperative.