1991-03-20: Piper PA-42 Cheyenne — Korean Air

1991-03-20: Piper PA-42 Cheyenne — Korean Air — Mt Hallasan, South Korea

No fatalities • Mt Hallasan, South Korea • Landing (descent or approach)

Probable cause

For unknown reasons, the crew initiated the approach to Jeju-Jungseok Airport from the west while the standard procedure required an approach from the north. At the time of the accident, the visibility was poor due to low clouds and Mt Hallasan was shrouded in clouds.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The crew was completing a local training at Jeju-Jungseok Airport. On approach via 'White 2' airway, the captain cancelled his IFR flight plan and continued under VFR when, at an altitude of 2,300 feet, the aircraft struck east side of Mt Hallasan (1,950 meters high). The wreckage was found about 8 km west of the airport at an altitude of about 700 meters. All three crew members were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Probable cause (official findings): For unknown reasons, the crew initiated the approach to Jeju-Jungseok Airport from the west while the standard procedure required an approach from the north. At the time of the accident, the visibility was poor due to low clouds and Mt Hallasan was shrouded in clouds.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-03-20 Piper PA-42 Cheyenne accident near Mt Hallasan, South Korea?

Were there any fatalities in the 1991-03-20 Piper PA-42 Cheyenne accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-03-20 involved a Piper PA-42 Cheyenne, registration HL5204, operated by Korean Air, at Mt Hallasan, South Korea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?