FlightFinder
Check my flight
2 fatalities

Collision with Tree and Pole During Night VFR Approach (N542TW)

Charlotte-Douglas, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On June 28, 1985, a Piper PA-42 Cheyenne (registration N542TW) operated by Atlanta Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Charlotte-Douglas, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's poor in-flight planning/decision, overconfidence, ostentatious display, improper maneuver, failure to maintain proper altitude, and excessive descent rate during a night VFR approach resulted in collision with a tree and a utility pole. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night VFR approach, the pilot changed runways, was observed low and fast on downwind, and executed a steep descending turn before colliding with a tree and a utility pole short of the runway. Both occupants were killed.

Accident

The aircraft collided with a tree and a pole short of the runway during a night VFR approach to land. The pilot had changed from runway 18 to runway 36 during the approach. He was observed flying low and fast on the downwind leg, which ended in a steep descending turn that led to ground contact. The tower had overridden the pilot during the initial approach because of his speed and high altitude. The pilot replied that he would be down and requested a change of runway. The wind was reported as from 150 degrees at 7 knots.

Occupants

Both occupants were killed in the accident.

Investigation

The official investigation identified the following factors contributing to the in-flight collision with an object during the approach phase (VFR pattern base leg/base to final): dark night conditions; poor in-flight planning/decision by the pilot; overconfidence in personal ability; collision with a utility pole; poor VFR procedures; ostentatious display; poor planned approach; poor judgment; failure to maintain proper altitude; excessive descent rate; and improper maneuver. All factors were attributed to the pilot in command.

Probable cause

The pilot's poor in-flight planning/decision, overconfidence, ostentatious display, improper maneuver, failure to maintain proper altitude, and excessive descent rate during a night VFR approach resulted in collision with a tree and a utility pole.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jun 1985 Piper PA-42 Cheyenne accident near Charlotte-Douglas, United States of America?

During a night VFR approach, the pilot changed runways, was observed low and fast on downwind, and executed a steep descending turn before colliding with a tree and a utility pole short of the runway. Both occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jun 1985 Piper PA-42 Cheyenne accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jun 1985 involved a Piper PA-42 Cheyenne, registration N542TW, operated by Atlanta Air Service, at Charlotte-Douglas, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's poor in-flight planning/decision, overconfidence, ostentatious display, improper maneuver, failure to maintain proper altitude, and excessive descent rate during a night VFR approach resulted in collision with a tree and a utility pole.

More accident analyses