N8919G – CESSNA 404 – 1993-12-17 NTSB Accident Report

On December 17, 1993, a Cessna 404 (N8919G) was involved in an incident near Big Rapids, MI. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: THE PILOT'S DESCENT BELOW THE MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE.

The instrument rated commercial pilot was flying in instrument meteorological conditions on an IFR flight plan to Roben-Hood Airport (77D) Big Rapids, Michigan on December 17, 1993. While enroute, the pilot learned that the White Cloud (HIC) VOR was out of service. As N8919G approached HIC VOR via radar vectors, Minneapolis Center turned on the VOR so that the pilot would be able to fly an instrument approach. According to the pilot's written statement on NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot was almost over the VOR at a cruising altitude of 4000 feet when he received an approach clearance. Concerned that the VOR would be on for only a short time, the pilot "hurried the approach from that moment on." The pilot recounted being at 1600 feet MSL when he hit what he thought were birds.

This incident is documented in NTSB report CHI94LA052. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8919G.