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 report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data 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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Mar 1980 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident near Decatur-Crystal Lake, United States of America?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Mar 1980 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Mar 1980 involved a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III, registration N31LP, operated by Peterson Industries, at Decatur-Crystal Lake, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Collision with wires/poles during a go-around after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions.