What happened
While conducting a VOR/DME approach to Rogers Airport, an aircraft struck trees approximately 3 miles from the runway threshold. The impact occurred at an altitude of roughly 1,320 feet MSL, just 25 feet above the ground level. At the time of the accident, the pilot was operating under IFR conditions and had been cleared for the approach by Fayetteville approach control.
Post-accident investigation revealed a significant discrepancy in pressure settings. Although the official altimeter setting for Fayetteville was 29.85, the aircraft's altimeter was set to 30.14. This error caused the instrument to display an altitude approximately 290 feet higher than the actual height of the aircraft. The pilot believed that the incorrect 30.14 setting had been provided by air traffic control and reported a final remembered altitude of 1,750 feet.
The crash resulted in one fatality and one serious injury.
Findings
Investigation into the accident identified several contributing factors related to pilot performance and procedural adherence. Key findings include:
- The use of an inaccurate altimeter setting by the pilot.
- Failure to follow established IFR procedures.
- Operating below the required minimum descent altitude (MDA).
- Inattentiveness and complacency during air-to-ground communications.
- Presence of high vegetation at the site of the terrain impact.