Cessna 208B N12155

Summary

On 10 March 2015 at about 11:40 local time, a Cessna 208B registered N12155, operated by Martinaire Aviation, L.L.C., was involved in an accident near Muskegon, Michigan, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

10 March 2015 at 11:40

Classification

Accident

Location

Muskegon, Michigan, United States

Nearest airport

Muskegon County Airport (KMKG)

Coordinates

43.1725, -86.2283

Aircraft

Cessna 208B

Registration

N12155

Category

Airplane

Year built

1996

Engines

1

Operator

Martinaire Aviation, L.L.C.

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Lansing → Muskegon

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

IMC

Light

Night/Dark

NTSB number

GAA15CA005

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's improper decision to continue the landing when the airplane was not in a safe position to land, resulting in the collision with ground-based approach lighting.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he flew an autopilot coupled approach to minimums in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The pilot exited IMC at the decision height, disconnected the autopilot, and the approach lights became visible. The pilot determined he was right of the runway and as he maneuvered to realign the airplane with the runway, he struck elements of the approach light system. A postaccident examination revealed the airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer. Effective at the time of this accident was a permanent Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) associated with the ILS runway 24 approach prohibiting a coupled autopilot approach from 1150 feet mean seal level to the surface. During a post-accident interview the pilot stated he was unaware of this NOTAM. The NOTAM had been in effect since February 21st, 2014 and the approach chart used did not note this approach restriction. Weather at the time of the accident was reported as winds from 250 degrees at 5 knots, ½ statute mile visibility, 200 feet overcast, temperature 32 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and altimeter 30.04 inches of mercury. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.