2000-01-10: Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) — N3193X Bonanza Corporation — Coatesville-Chester County-G. O. Carlson, United States of America

2 fatalities • Coatesville-Chester County-G. O. Carlson, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure, and his failure to establish a climb after passing the missed approach point.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

While operating in IMC, the pilot was vectored to the final approach course for an ILS approach. Weather at the airport was ceiling 200 feet and visibility 3/4 mile in mist. The pilot was cleared for the approach, which he acknowledged. No other transmissions were received from the accident airplane. Radar data showed the airplane intercept the final approach course, then track inbound. The airplane crossed the outer marker 420 feet below the glide slope. The last radar return showed the airplane at 440 feet agl, 3.9 miles from the runway. The airplane impacted the ground at a shallow angle about 1 mile north of the airport on the opposite side of the missed approach procedure. The elevation of the accident site was approximately 40 feet lower than the airport. The pilot had about 350 hours of total flight experience. No pre-impact failures were identified with the airframe, engines, flight controls, or flight instruments.

Probable cause (official findings): The pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure, and his failure to establish a climb after passing the missed approach point.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-01-10 Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) accident near Coatesville-Chester County-G. O. Carlson, United States of America?

While operating in IMC, the pilot was vectored to the final approach course for an ILS approach. Weather at the airport was ceiling 200 feet and visibility 3/4 mile in mist. The pilot was cleared for the approach, which he acknowledged. No other transmissions were received from the accident airplane. Radar data…

Were there any fatalities in the 2000-01-10 Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-01-10 involved a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601), registration N905DK, operated by N3193X Bonanza Corporation, at Coatesville-Chester County-G. O. Carlson, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure, and his failure to establish a climb after passing the missed approach point.

Loading the flight search…