Accident Details
Flight 308 was on a night approach to Bristol-Tr-Cities Airport when the airplane descended too low and struck the slope of Mt Holston, located 15 miles from the runway 27 threshold. The impact and subsequent post-crash fire destroyed the airplane, and all ten occupants were killed.
Flight History
Evidence indicates that Flight 308 departed Nashville, Tennessee, with an inoperative radio compass. Although the flight was cleared via low frequency airway Green 5, it appears that the facilities defining this airway were not used. Upon arriving in the Tri-Cities area, the aircraft was east of its intended track and erroneously identified the reporting point from which an ILS approach procedure was to be initiated. During the instrument approach, which was conducted in snow showers, the flight missed the outer marker. The approach was continued under instrument conditions without utilizing the VOR facility, which would have assisted in confirming the flight's position.
Outcome
Without having clearly established his position, the pilot flew 15 miles beyond the outer marker and descended to an altitude too low to clear the high terrain in the area, resulting in the collision with Mt Holston.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause of this accident was the failure of the pilot to identify Gray intersection properly and his decision to continue an ILS approach contrary to company and regulatory procedures.