Fatal aircraft accident near Saige locator

1 fatality • Billings, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A single-engine aircraft crashed during an instrument approach near the Saige locator, resulting in the death of the pilot due to medical incapacitation.

What happened

During an instrument flight rules (IFR) operation within instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the pilot was conducting a localizer back course 27 approach. Following this procedure, a missed approach was performed. While attempting a subsequent ILS approach for runway 09L, the aircraft disappeared from radar and radio communications.

Search efforts located the wreckage approximately one-half mile east of the Saige locator outer marker, positioned along the inbound approach path. The impact forces and a subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There was one fatality involving the pilot, who was the only person on board at the time of the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the medical history and autopsy of the pilot indicated that he suffered from physical impairment related to a cardiovascular condition, which led to his incapacitation during the flight. This loss of control caused the aircraft to collide with the terrain while transitioning from the final approach fix toward the runway threshold.

Probable cause

The pilot became incapacitated due to a cardiovascular medical event, leading to a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1986-05-07 Swearingen SA226AT Merlin IV accident near Billings, United States of America?

A single-engine aircraft crashed during an instrument approach near the Saige locator, resulting in the death of the pilot due to medical incapacitation.

Were there any fatalities in the 1986-05-07 Swearingen SA226AT Merlin IV accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1986-05-07 involved a Swearingen SA226AT Merlin IV, registration N577KA, operated by Barckley Airlines, at Billings, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot became incapacitated due to a cardiovascular medical event, leading to a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.

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