Incident Narrative
The crew conducted an ILS approach under conditions of indefinite ceiling and runway visual range down to zero due to fog. The copilot was flying the aircraft. While executing a missed approach, the aircraft contacted the runway at the point where the glideslope intersects the terrain. The impact was sufficient to shear off all three landing gear.
During the subsequent climbout, the right engine spooled down. The crew elected to divert to Detroit-Metropolitan Airport, where they performed a gear-up landing. A minor fire broke out as the aircraft slid along the ground. Post-incident bench checks of both altimeters found them within tolerances. All three crew members evacuated with minor injuries.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation identified three occurrences with contributing findings:
- Occurrence #1 (In-flight collision with terrain): The missed approach was improperly executed by the copilot, who lacked total experience in the aircraft type. The copilot exceeded the minimum descent altitude. The pilot in command exhibited overconfidence in personal ability and provided improper supervision.
- Occurrence #2 (Loss of engine power): The right engine lost power due to previous damage to the engine installation, specifically the suspension mounts.
- Occurrence #3 (Fire): The fire during the landing roll resulted from previous damage to the landing gear.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as determined by the official findings, encompasses the following: for the in-flight collision with terrain, improper execution of the missed approach by the copilot, the copilot's lack of total experience in the aircraft type, exceeding the minimum descent altitude, overconfidence by the pilot in command, and improper supervision by the pilot in command. For the loss of engine power, previous damage to the engine installation (suspension mounts). For the fire, previous damage to the landing gear.