On September 16, 1985, a Rockwell Shrike Commander 500 (registration N8139P) operated by Potlatch Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Cloquet-Carlton County, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot in command, descent below minimum descent altitude, improper IFR procedure, overconfidence in personal ability, compounded by low ceiling and dark night conditions, resulting in an undershoot and collision… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A pilot on a solo flight was killed when his aircraft struck trees about 3 miles from the approach end of runway 17. He had expected weather below minimums but flew the approach without a required second crewmember.
Accident Details
The pilot conducted an IFR approach to runway 17 despite anticipating weather conditions below minimums. Company rules required a second pilot on board, but the pilot was the sole occupant. The aircraft struck trees approximately 3 miles from the runway threshold during the approach phase between the final approach fix and the threshold. The pilot was killed in the collision.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified multiple factors leading to the accident: the pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision-making, descending below the minimum descent altitude, and improper execution of IFR procedures. Additionally, the pilot exhibited overconfidence in personal ability. Contributing factors included a low ceiling and dark night conditions, which together resulted in an undershoot and collision with trees.
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