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3 fatalities

Fatal Night ILS Approach Accident at Alpena-County-Phelps-Collins Airport (N9JS)

Alpena-County-Phelps-Collins, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 23, 1981, a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise (registration N9JS) operated by J & S Leasing was involved in an aviation accident near Alpena-County-Phelps-Collins, United States of America during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled collision with ground on final approach due to improper IFR operation on part of the pilot. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed 1.6 miles short of runway 36 during a night ILS approach in marginal weather, killing all three occupants.

Accident Overview and Location Details During a night instrument landing system (ILS) approach to Alpena-County-Phelps-Collins Airport, a twin-engine aircraft encountered marginal weather conditions. The pilot did not recognize that the aircraft's altitude was too low. On short final approach, the aircraft struck the ground and crashed 1.6 miles short of runway 36. The airplane was destroyed upon impact, and all three occupants were killed. ## Contributing Factors The official investigation identified several contributing factors to the accident. These included a low ceiling, rain, fog, weather conditions slightly worse than forecast, and visibility of 2 miles or less. The probable cause was determined to be a controlled collision with the ground on final approach due to improper IFR operation by the pilot.

Controlled flight into terrain

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