N988FX

Substantial
None

Cessna 208S/N: 208B2400

Accident Details

Date
Friday, February 7, 2020
NTSB Number
ERA20CA095
Location
Baltimore, MD
Event ID
20200207X72541
Coordinates
39.175834, -76.668891
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the approach lights during an instrument approach.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
208B2400
Engine Type
Turbo-prop
Year Built
2012
Model / ICAO
208C208
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
12
FAA Model
208B

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
FEDERAL EXPRESS CORP
Address
VP SUPPLEMENTAL AIR OPERATIONS
3630 HACKS CROSS RD BLDG C FL 2ND
City
MEMPHIS
State / Zip Code
TN 38125-8800
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot was conducting an instrument landing system approach in night instrument meteorological conditions to the destination airport. The pilot was utilizing the autopilot for the approach and disengaged it when he had the runway and airport lighting system in view. As he approached the runway, the pilot heard a sound and thought the airplane had hit a bird. He felt the airplane pitch up so he increased engine power and pitched down in order to reach the runway. After the pilot landed and taxied to the ramp, he saw that a large piece of an approach light was caught on the airplane's right main landing gear. Further inspection revealed that the airplane's empennage, right horizontal stabilizer, right wing strut, and front cargo pod were also damaged. The operator reported that the airplane had struck four separate approach light towers as well as a localizer antenna.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA20CA095