On December 5, 1971, a Rockwell Aero Commander 680 (registration N78D) operated by Air Lease was involved in an aviation accident near New Orleans-Lakefront, United States of America during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper IFR operation on part of the pilot. The following factors were reported: - Low ceiling, - Pilot fatigue, - The pilot descended below minimums and below MDA on localizer approach, - Crashed into lake on second attempt to land. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a second approach to New Orleans-Lakefront Airport, a twin-engine airplane descended below MDA, struck the water, and crashed into Lake Pontchartrain. All three occupants were killed; two bodies recovered.
Accident Details
On a night approach to New Orleans-Lakefront Airport, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with a low ceiling. Unable to locate the runway, he abandoned the approach and initiated a go-around. A few minutes later, during a second attempt to land, he decided to descend below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). The twin-engine airplane struck the water surface and crashed into Lake Pontchartrain, a few miles short of the runway. All three occupants were killed, but only two bodies were recovered.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be improper IFR operation on the part of the pilot. The following factors were reported: low ceiling, pilot fatigue, the pilot descended below minimums and below MDA on the localizer approach, and the aircraft crashed into the lake on the second attempt to land.