American Airlines Flight 711 Crash at Springfield (N94234)

Approach and Weather Reports American Airlines Flight 711 reported en route to the company that it was over Vichy, a position along Victor Airway 14 about 100 miles from Springfield, and estimated reaching the Springfield VOR station at 2233. Initial radio contact with Springfield Approach Control was established at 2218, and the flight gave the same estimate. The approach controller transmitted the 2208 weather observation: ceiling 400 feet overcast, visibility 10 miles, wind west 12, altimeter 29.68. When asked, the flight indicated it intended to land at Springfield. A clearance was then issued for a standard range approach, instructing Flight 711 to report over the range station and when starting the procedure turn. The flight subsequently asked for clearance to descend, and, with no other traffic, the controller cleared it for an approach and to descend whenever it wished. At 2229, the latest weather observation, completed at 2228, was transmitted: ceiling 500 feet overcast, visibility 8 miles, very light drizzle, wind west 10. The flight informed the controller it would make a circling approach to runway 31, the active runway. ## Final Moments and Impact At 2234, the flight reported, “American 711, over the Omni at 34, proceeding to the field.” Approximately two minutes later, an explosion was seen and heard north-northwest of the airport, and attempts to contact the flight failed. The aircraft crashed about 0.25 miles short of runway 31 and was destroyed. Both pilots and 11 passengers were killed. A weather observation immediately following the accident reported ceiling 500 feet overcast, visibility 5 miles, very light drizzle, wind northwest 8, and altimeter 29.66. ## Official Findings The Board determined that the probable cause was a descent to the ground while approaching the airport, caused by the crew’s inattention to their flight instruments and a possible sensory illusion giving them an erroneous impression of the aircraft’s attitude. The Board found that weather conditions at Springfield were above the minimums for an American Airlines Convair aircraft to make a VOR instrument approach and to circle for landing. The flight did not execute the CAA-approved VOR instrument approach procedure but proceeded directly from the station toward the airport. Analysis indicated that before the aircraft turned toward the airport, visual reference with the ground was possible but not probable at the required altitude. While approaching, the aircraft was nearly on the 193-degree inbound radial required by the VOR procedure and was flown visually below the overcast for several miles. It descended until it struck the ground approximately 1-1/14 miles north-northwest of the airport. No evidence indicated aircraft malfunction or failure, and there was no indication of an emergency aboard.