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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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December 22, 1994 · Piper PA-32-260 · N7JD

Fort Dodge, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 22, 1994
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Fort Dodge, IA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N7JD
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI95LA062

THE PILOT REPORTED AFTER PERFORMING A MISSED APPROACH AT THE INTENDED DESTINATION AIRPORT, HE FLEW TO THE ALTERNATE AIRPORT, APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES AWAY. HE STATED THIS FLIGHT WAS SHORT AND HURRIED, AND 'BEFORE I COULD REMOVE THE APPROACH PLATE AND REVIEW ALL THE INFORMATION...I WAS ALREADY FLYING THE (DME) ARC.' THE PILOT REPORTED WHEN THEY MADE THE TURN ONTO THE LOCALIZER, HE THOUGHT HE WAS ABOVE THE GLIDESLOPE AND INSIDE THE FINAL APPROACH FIX. HE STATED 'I STARTED DOWN AND...STARTED MY TRANSITION BACK TO INSTRUMENTS. THE NEXT THING I REMEMBER WAS HITTING THE GROUND.' THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND ABOUT 6 MILES FROM THE END OF THE RUNWAY.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IFR PROCEDURE. THE LOW CEILING AND FOG WERE A FACTOR.

Full Narrative

On December 22, 1994, at 1730 central standard time, a Piper PA- 32-260, N7JD, piloted by the owner/operator, collided with terrain while on an instrument approach to Runway 6 at Fort Dodge, Iowa. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The instrument rated private pilot and the three passengers on board the airplane reported minor injuries. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated on an IFR flight plan. The pleasure flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Lansing, Illinois, approximately 1400, with an intended destination of Carroll, Iowa. The pilot stated the preflight weather briefing included a destination airport weather observation of 500 foot ceiling and 2 miles visibility, with conditions forecast to improve. Upon arrival at Carroll, Iowa, the airport fixed base operator estimated the weather conditions to be about minimums for the approach (600 foot ceiling, 1 mile visibility). The pilot performed an NDB approach to the Carroll Airport and did not see the ground at the missed approach point. He executed the published missed approach procedure, and notified Air Traffic Control (ATC) he wanted to attempt a precision approach to Fort Dodge, Iowa, approximately 42 miles northeast. The pilot stated the flight between Carroll and Fort Dodge "...was a bit hurried as the flight...is only about 15 minutes. Before I could remove the approach plate and review...it I was already flying the (DME) arc....We made the turn onto the localizer and for some reason I felt that I was above the glidescope and past the final approach fix when I made the turn. I started down....The next thing I remember was hitting the ground." The airplane collided with terrain about 6 miles from the end of the runway. The pilot stated there was no preimpact mechanical malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 CST
Nearest AirportFort Dodge Regional (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN7JD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E435 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDusk
Wind320° @ 7 kt
Visibility0.5 sm
Ceiling500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:34
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data