Accident
An air ambulance (EMS) flight was conducting an ILS approach to runway 08 at Casper, Wyoming. The aircraft was cleared for the approach and radar data showed it tracking and descending normally on the DME arc until it dropped below radar coverage. Subsequently, the aircraft collided with the top of a ridge along the localizer centerline, before reaching the outer marker and about 8 miles from the airport. The crash site elevation was approximately 5,800 feet. The minimum descent altitude before intercepting the ILS glide slope was 7,100 feet, and the crossing altitude at the outer marker was 6,700 feet. All four occupants—a patient, two doctors, and a pilot—were killed.
Investigation
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The findings stated that the pilot failed to maintain proper altitude during the night instrument flight rules (IFR) approach in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Probable Cause
Failure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude during the night IFR approach in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).