Crash of a Cessna 402C in Albertville: 2 killed

Date & Time: Aug 31, 1984 at 0810 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N55LP
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Decatur - Albertville
MSN:
402C-0102
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
7500
Captain / Total hours on type:
400.00
Aircraft flight hours:
5319
Circumstances:
Pilot was executing an non-directional beacon approach to runway 23. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Radar information obtained during the investigation revealed the pilot did not stabilize the airspeed while executing the approach. Witnesses near the accident site indicated they had heard a low flying aircraft at the approximate time of the accident. The wreckage path revealed a gradual descent swath in the trees which terminated with ground impact. Witnesses near the airport stated that the airport was obscured by fog. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - fog
2. (f) not performed - pilot in command
3. (c) overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command
4. (c) minimum descent altitude - exceeded - pilot in command
5. (c) clearance - not maintained - pilot in command
6. (c) decision height - disregarded - pilot in command
7. (c) airspeed - uncontrolled - pilot in command
8. (c) ifr procedure - not followed - pilot in command
9. (c) in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III in Decatur: 2 killed

Date & Time: Mar 20, 1980 at 2323 LT
Registration:
N31LP
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Little Rock - Decatur
MSN:
421C-0046
YOM:
1976
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
28260
Captain / Total hours on type:
610.00
Circumstances:
On an instrument approach to Decatur-Crystal Lake Airport, the pilot cancelled the IFR flight plan and continued under VFR mode when he encountered limited visibility due to fog. He decided to initiate a go-around when the twin engine airplane struck power cables and crashed in flames. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Collision with wires/poles during a go-around after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Fog,
- High obstructions,
- Weather conditions below minimums,
- Fog on runway surface,
- Runway lights on,
- VASI inoperative.
Final Report: