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PA-31T Cheyenne Collision with Terrain During IFR Approach (N200FD)

Lawrence, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On March 20, 1987, a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne (registration N200FD) operated by Birk Leasing was involved in an aviation accident near Lawrence, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight collision with terrain during the IFR approach phase, associated with weather obscuration, snow, dark night conditions, failure to follow IFR procedure, failure to maintain minimum descent altitude, and overconfidence in personal ability by the… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A PA-31T Cheyenne struck rising terrain during an IFR approach after the pilot descended below the published minimum descent altitude. The aircraft was destroyed, and the copilot sustained minor injuries.

Incident Overview and Approach Details The crew of a PA-31T Cheyenne conducted an instrument flight rules (IFR) approach and executed one missed approach before continuing the descent. During the final approach, the copilot called out altitudes to the pilot in command. The pilot responded that he intended to descend to 400 feet. The published approach minimums specified a minimum descent altitude (MDA) of 660 feet, with an additional 80 feet required when the control zone was not in effect. ## Impact and Outcome The aircraft subsequently flew into rising terrain. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft. The copilot sustained minor injuries. ## Official Findings The investigation identified the occurrence as an in-flight collision with terrain during the approach phase, from the final approach fix or outer marker to the threshold. Contributing factors included weather conditions involving obscuration and snow, as well as dark night lighting conditions. The pilot in command did not follow the IFR procedure and failed to maintain the minimum descent altitude. The findings also cited overconfidence in personal ability by the pilot in command.

Probable cause

In-flight collision with terrain during the IFR approach phase, associated with weather obscuration, snow, dark night conditions, failure to follow IFR procedure, failure to maintain minimum descent altitude, and overconfidence in personal ability by the pilot in command.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Mar 1987 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident near Lawrence, United States of America?

A PA-31T Cheyenne struck rising terrain during an IFR approach after the pilot descended below the published minimum descent altitude. The aircraft was destroyed, and the copilot sustained minor injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Mar 1987 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Mar 1987 involved a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne, registration N200FD, operated by Birk Leasing, at Lawrence, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

In-flight collision with terrain during the IFR approach phase, associated with weather obscuration, snow, dark night conditions, failure to follow IFR procedure, failure to maintain minimum descent altitude, and overconfidence in personal ability by the pilot in command.

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