Flight Accident Investigation involving Localizer Approach

1 fatality • Dayton-Wright Brothers Memorial, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft impacted the ground during a missed approach following a localizer approach in low visibility conditions. The investigation focused on flight path irregularities and toxicology findings.

What happened

On the morning of the accident, the pilot departed for a flight intended to facilitate aircraft maintenance and professional obligations. The pilot was airborne by 0700. Upon approaching the destination, the aircraft encountered weather conditions characterized by fog and low ceilings, which significantly limited visibility.

Air traffic control cleared the pilot to perform a localizer approach to the runway. While the pilot successfully reported their position at the outer marker via the unicom frequency, no subsequent radio communications were received. Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft passing overhead, noting that the engines appeared to be operating normally and the underside of the aircraft was visible.

Radar monitoring during the sequence indicated that the aircraft's altitude began to fluctuate and the ground speed dropped substantially while following the missed approach path. The aircraft eventually struck the ground in a 40-degree nose-low, right wing down attitude, resulting in fatalities.

Findings

Post-accident investigations included a toxicology analysis of the pilot. The results of the report identified the presence of Tetrahydrocannabinol (Marihuana) in the blood at a concentration of 0.005 ug/ml. Additionally, traces of Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid were detected in both the blood (0.013 ug/ml) and kidney fluid (0.017 ug/ml).

Probable cause

The investigation identified the presence of THC metabolites in the pilot's system and noted significant altitude and speed fluctuations during the missed approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-06-19 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Dayton-Wright Brothers Memorial, United States of America?

An aircraft impacted the ground during a missed approach following a localizer approach in low visibility conditions. The investigation focused on flight path irregularities and toxicology findings.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-06-19 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-06-19 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N62852, operated by Hi Hat Leasing, at Dayton-Wright Brothers Memorial, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The investigation identified the presence of THC metabolites in the pilot's system and noted significant altitude and speed fluctuations during the missed approach.

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