3 fatalities

1993-12-15: Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond (N710MB) — Whitham Farms Feed Yard — Goodland, United States of America

Goodland, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 15, 1993, a Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond (registration N710MB) operated by Whitham Farms Feed Yard was involved in an aviation accident near Goodland, United States of America during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's inadvertent stall of the airplane. A factor associated with the accident is the pilot-in-command's poor IFR procedures. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781209354Data APIEditorial standards

During an ILS approach, the pilot-in-command struggled to stabilize, oversped, deviated from the localizer, then slowed to a stall, activating the stick shaker until impact. All three occupants died. No mechanical issues found.

Overview

The accident occurred during an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 30. The pilot-in-command was the flying pilot. Cockpit voice recorder transcripts indicated that the pilot had difficulty achieving a stabilized approach.

Sequence of Events

During the initial descent, the airplane entered an overspeed condition and deviated through the localizer. While attempting to re-establish the aircraft on the localizer, the pilot allowed airspeed to decrease to the point where the prestall stick-shaker activated. The stick shaker continued until the airplane departed controlled flight and subsequently impacted terrain.

Investigation Findings

Investigators found no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies. All three occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause of the accident is the pilot-in-command's inadvertent stall of the airplane. A contributing factor was the pilot-in-command's poor instrument flight rules (IFR) procedures.