1995-06-25: Piper PA-31-310 Navajo — Thiel Construction Company — Valdez, United States of America

4 fatalities • Valdez, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to follow the published ifr (missed approach) procedure and assure adequate altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot received an instrument approach clearance to a non tower airport surrounded by mountainous terrain. Weather conditions on the ground were VFR, and the pilot descended through an overcast. The approach environment was not serviced by any atc radar facility. The pilot declared a missed approach to the appropriate faa flight service station, and was advised to contact ARTCC. ARTCC never received a radio transmission from the pilot. The airplane wreckage was located approximately 6 miles beyond the airport, slightly to the north of the extended runway centerline. Missed approach procedures were for an immediate climb, and then a climbing right turn to reverse direction away from the airport. The missed approach segment began 5.2 DME miles prior to the airport. Minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach was 4,320 feet msl (4,200 feet above the runway elevation); impact with mountainous terrain occurred at about the same altitude. All four occupants were killed.

Probable cause (official findings): The pilot's failure to follow the published ifr (missed approach) procedure and assure adequate altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-06-25 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Valdez, United States of America?

The pilot received an instrument approach clearance to a non tower airport surrounded by mountainous terrain. Weather conditions on the ground were VFR, and the pilot descended through an overcast. The approach environment was not serviced by any atc radar facility. The pilot declared a missed approach to the…

Were there any fatalities in the 1995-06-25 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-06-25 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N62851, operated by Thiel Construction Company, at Valdez, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to follow the published ifr (missed approach) procedure and assure adequate altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain.

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