Aircraft collision with trees during instrument approach

No fatalities • Charlotte-Douglas, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft struck trees and the ground short of a runway threshold while performing an instrument landing system approach.

What happened

While executing an instrument landing system (ILS) approach, the aircraft descended underneath the established glidepath. During this final approach phase, the aircraft made contact with a tree before impacting the ground at a location preceding the runway threshold.

As a result of the impact, the pilot sustained serious injuries. The flight was being conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR) during the transition from the final approach fix toward the runway.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified several contributing elements:

  • The aircraft collided with trees during the descent.
  • The pilot in command failed to adhere to established IFR procedures.
  • Weather conditions were below the required minimums for the approach and landing.
  • The flight path deviated from the prescribed glidepath, leading to the collision with an obstacle.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to follow instrument approach procedures while operating in weather conditions below established minimums.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-01-19 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Charlotte-Douglas, United States of America?

An aircraft struck trees and the ground short of a runway threshold while performing an instrument landing system approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 1988-01-19 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-01-19 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration N996SA, operated by Mountain Air Cargo, at Charlotte-Douglas, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to follow instrument approach procedures while operating in weather conditions below established minimums.

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