Zone

Crash of a Piper PA-42-720 Cheyenne II-XL in Ames

Date & Time: Jan 30, 2002 at 1810 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N66MT
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Broomfield – Ames
MSN:
42-8166060
YOM:
1981
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The pilot said he was on the glide slope for an ILS approach. The pilot said, "The autopilot was coupled on to the approach. The autopilot also coupled on to the Glide slope. Approximately 2-1/2 to 3 miles out, we visually had approach lights and runway lights. I then disconnected the autopilot and yaw damper, and hand flew a visual approach using the glide slope indicator as a cross check for a correct glide path to the airport. Continuing visually on the approach, I checked the GS (glide slope) and it indicated we were slightly above glide path, but was corrected, and seconds later hit a pole going through electrical wires, coming to rest short of the approach lights and to the right." An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies. An examination of the ILS approach to the runway showed the facility operated satisfactorily.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide path during the final portion of the approach. Factors relating to this accident were the low altitude and the utility pole.
Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-20 Marquise in Ames

Date & Time: Jan 24, 1984 at 1055 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N123AX
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Chattanooga - Ames
MSN:
220
YOM:
1972
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
10785
Captain / Total hours on type:
327.00
Circumstances:
The aircraft landed in a crosswind on a snow and ice covered runway. During landing, directional control was lost and the aircraft collided with a snowbank. The pilot stated he attempted to use propeller reversing for braking and the aircraft started to slide to the left. All four occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - on ground/water
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
1. (f) terrain condition - icy
2. (c) wrong runway - selected - pilot in command
3. (f) terrain condition - snow covered
4. (c) airspeed - improper - pilot in command
5. (f) weather condition - crosswind
6. (c) directional control - not maintained - pilot in command
7. (c) ground loop/swerve - not corrected - pilot in command
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Occurrence #2: on ground/water encounter with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
8. (f) terrain condition - snowbank
9. Landing gear - overload
Final Report: