What happened
While operating as an emergency medical services (EMS) flight, the aircraft was executing an ILS runway 08 approach toward Casper, Wyoming. Radar monitoring indicated that the flight was following the DME arc and descending according to standard procedures. However, the aircraft moved into an area lacking radar coverage during its descent.
As the flight continued toward the outer marker, which is situated approximately 8 miles from the airport, the aircraft struck the upper portion of a ridge. The impact occurred along the localizer centerline. At the time of the collision, the elevation of the crash site was roughly 5,800 feet. This altitude was significantly lower than the required minimum descent altitude of 7,100 feet mandated before intercepting the ILS glide slope. Furthermore, the altitude at which the aircraft would have crossed the outer marker was 6,700 feet.
Findings
- The aircraft struck terrain while flying below the prescribed minimum descent altitude.
- The collision occurred at an elevation of 5,800 feet, whereas the required altitude for that phase of the approach was 7,100 feet.
- The flight involved four fatalities, including the pilot, two doctors, and a patient.