What happened
During the early morning hours, a flight was operating an instrument approach toward Bradley Field. At 01:39, the pilot notified Bradley Approach Control that the aircraft was positioned over Hartford and intended to maintain an altitude of 3,000 feet until reaching the outer marker. The air traffic controller, who was managing multiple radio positions simultaneously, cleared the flight for an instrument approach using Runway 6. At the time, weather conditions were characterized by light rain, fog, a low ceiling of 500 feet, and visibility of only 1.5 miles.
The pilot was informed that the glide path for the ILS was non-functional due to previous runway extensions, a fact previously noted in official aeronautical notifications. After inquiring about the status of the localizer, the pilot indicated an intention to utilize an ADF let-down procedure instead. The aircraft reached the outer marker at 01:44 and was cleared to land. During this exchange, the controller noted that high-intensity runway lights were set to maximum brightness.
Following this communication, contact with the flight was lost. At approximately 01:49, the controller attempted to re-establish contact and provided instructions for a missed approach procedure in the event of transmitter issues. Despite further attempts to reach the crew, there was no response. Shortly after the final transmission, the aircraft was observed flying at a low altitude southwest of the airfield before striking trees. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and both pilots were killed.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing factors:
- The pilot demonstrated poor judgment by attempting to execute a circling maneuver under overcast conditions at night in heavy rain instead of following a standard instrument approach.
- There was no communication from the flight crew to the controller regarding a missed approach, a transition to visual contact, or a request for a second approach.
- The aircraft's IFR flight plan remained active throughout the event.
- No mechanical failures or engine malfunctions were identified as contributing to the crash.