Aircraft collision with utility pole during visual approach

No fatalities • Ames, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft struck a utility pole and electrical wires while performing a visual approach to the airport, resulting in the aircraft coming to rest short of the runway lights.

What happened

During the final stages of an ILS approach, the pilot was managing the descent using both instrument and visual references. Initially, the aircraft was being flown via the autopilot, which was coupled to both the localizer and the glide slope. As the aircraft reached a distance of approximately 2.5 to 3 miles from the airfield, the pilot could visually identify the runway and approach lighting systems.

To transition to a manual approach, the pilot disconnected the autopilot and the yaw damper, choosing to hand-fly the aircraft while using the glide slope indicator as a reference to verify the descent path. While maintaining visual contact with the approach lights, the pilot noted that the aircraft was slightly above the established glide path but attempted to correct the altitude. Shortly after this correction, the aircraft struck a pole and several electrical wires. The impact caused the aircraft to come to a stop to the right of the approach lights, short of the runway.

Findings

Post-accident investigations into the mechanical state of the aircraft showed no evidence of malfunctions or anomalies. Furthermore, inspections of the ILS approach equipment confirmed that the ground-based facility was functioning correctly and providing accurate signals at the time of the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's manual flight corrections during a visual approach led to a collision with a utility pole and power lines.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-01-30 Piper PA-42 Cheyenne accident near Ames, United States of America?

An aircraft struck a utility pole and electrical wires while performing a visual approach to the airport, resulting in the aircraft coming to rest short of the runway lights.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-01-30 Piper PA-42 Cheyenne accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-01-30 involved a Piper PA-42 Cheyenne, registration N66MT, operated by Manatt's, at Ames, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's manual flight corrections during a visual approach led to a collision with a utility pole and power lines.

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