On April 4, 1977, a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise (registration N321MA) operated by Master Craft Engineering was involved in an aviation accident near Detroit-Willow Run (Ypsilanti), United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with ground during a missed approach due to improper maintenance. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
On final approach to Detroit-Willow Run Airport, a twin-engine aircraft executed a go-around for unknown reasons and subsequently crashed, resulting in serious injuries to both occupants and destruction of the aircraft.
Accident Overview
While on final approach to Detroit-Willow Run Airport, the crew of a twin-engine aircraft encountered poor weather conditions and decided to initiate a go-around. The reason for the go-around was not specified. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft crashed near the airport. Both occupants sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a collision with the ground during a missed approach due to improper maintenance.
Contributing Factors
The investigation identified several contributing factors:
The elevator tab control system was found to be frayed and binding.
Low ceiling conditions were present at the time of the accident.
Fog was reported in the area.
Maintenance had been performed on the elevator trim tab bracket one day prior to the accident.
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