On January 19, 1988, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration N996SA) operated by Mountain Air Cargo was involved in an aviation accident near Charlotte-Douglas, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object. Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr). Findings: 1. Object - tree(s). 2. (c) ifr procedure - not followed - pilot in command. 3. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During an instrument landing system approach, the pilot descended below the glidepath, leading to a collision with a tree and impact short of the runway. The pilot sustained serious injuries.
Event Details
On final approach using the instrument landing system, the pilot descended below the prescribed glidepath. The aircraft subsequently collided with a tree and struck the ground short of the runway threshold. The pilot was seriously injured.
Findings
The official investigation identified the following findings:
The occurrence was an in-flight collision with an object (tree) during the approach phase from the final approach fix/outer marker to threshold under instrument flight rules.
The pilot in command did not follow the instrument flight rules procedure.
The weather conditions were below the established approach and landing minimums.
Probable cause
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object. Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr). Findings: 1. Object - tree(s). 2. (c) ifr procedure - not followed - pilot in command. 3. (f) weather condition - below approach/landing minimums.