On February 26, 1971, a Volpar Turboliner 18 (registration N47A) operated by Florida Community Bank was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, United States of America during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper IFR operation. Factors: Weather considerably worse than forecast; Low ceiling, rain and fog; Special VFR clearance. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft on a flight from Cleveland to Fort Myers crashed one mile short of the runway during a go-around after the pilot lost sight of the airport in fog. All eight occupants were killed.
Accident Details
The aircraft was completing a flight from Cleveland, Ohio, to Fort Myers, Florida, with an intermediate stop at Columbia Metropolitan Airport in South Carolina. During the approach, the pilot encountered limited visibility due to foggy conditions and obtained a special VFR clearance. On final approach, unable to locate the airport, the pilot decided to execute a go-around. The airplane then struck the ground and crashed in flames one mile short of the runway. The aircraft was totally destroyed upon impact. All eight occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was determined to be improper IFR operation. The following factors were reported: weather considerably worse than forecast; low ceiling, rain, and fog; and special VFR clearance.