Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional (State)

The airplane collided with mountainous terrain during approach to the destination airport. While approaching the airport, the pilot requested vectors for a localizer approach to runway 19. Due to traffic, air traffic control (ATC) issued the pilot a holding clearance. The airplane was approaching the holding fix about 8,000 feet, when the pilot advised ATC that the airplane was picking up a little ice. ATC initially offered an amended clearance of 9,000 feet, but the pilot declined. Subsequently, he accepted the clearance and climbed back to 9,000 feet. ATC then told the pilot that after one more airplane had landed, he would be issued an approach clearance. The airplane was about 9,200 feet when the pilot replied "thank you." Review of radar data revealed that the accident airplane made one complete 360-degree turn, and one 270-degree turn on the non-holding side of the published holding pattern. During the two turns, the airplane descended to approximately 8,400 feet, climbed to 8,900 feet, then descended again to 8,300 feet. The two turns were tighter than the expected standard 2-minute turns in a holding pattern, with radii ranging from 0.3 to 0.4 nautical miles and 0.1 to 0.2 nautical miles respectively. Following the two holding turns, no more radio transmissions or radar returns were received by ATC. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Another pilot flying in the area reported moderate rime ice at 8,000 feet, but added that he climbed out of the ice and was between cloud layers at 9,000 to 10,000 feet.

The Lear 55 taxied out for takeoff and inadvertently attempted a takeoff on the wrong runway. When he realized his mistake, he aborted the takeoff because he knew the runway length was significantly less than his required field length. Insufficient runway also remained for the aborted takeoff and the aircraft ran off the end of the runway and hit a stone wall. The aircraft was destroyed by fire and the copilot received minor injuries while the pilot and the passenger were not injured.

The pilot was about 30 miles from Rutland when he radioed the airport for weather info. He was informed that clouds were 1,500 feet broken and 2,700 feet overcast with snow, light fog and 5 miles visibility. The pilot responded that he would call again when he got closer to the airport. There was no further transmission received from the pilot. The aircraft collided with Dorset mount, located about 18 miles south of the airport. The aircraft was in a level attitude and at a elevation of 3,300 feet. Dorset mount is 3,515 feet high. Examination of the aircraft did not disclose evidence of malfunction. No flight plan was filed. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

The pilot was executing a second attempt for an instrument approach to runway 19, following a missed approach on the first attempt. The pilot last reported over the iaf, 9 miles north of the airport. The aircraft collided with a mountain at an elevation of 1,700 feet and 5 miles south of the airport. The wreckage was oriented on a 190° magnetic heading and near the extended centerline of runway 19. The mda for the approach is 1,680 feet msl. The map is a climbing right turn to 5,000 feet direct to the iaf. The airport is surrounded by mountains. The landing gear and flaps were found extended. Examination of the aircraft disclosed on evidence of malfunction. Both occupants were killed.

At an altitude of 2,000 feet, the aircraft entered a dive and crashed, killing all three occupants.