# NTSB CHI94LA052: Cessna 404, N8919G, Big Rapids, MI, December 17, 1993 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: December 17, 1993, 06:35 local (12:35 UTC) - Place: Big Rapids, MI - Coordinates: 43.700382, -85.480422 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7004&lon=-85.4804&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 18, 1995 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 9441 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI94LA052 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9441/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA052 ## Probable cause THE PILOT'S DESCENT BELOW THE MINIMUM DESCENT ALTITUDE. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, approach - minimum descent altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - self-induced pressure, pilot in command (contributing factor) - object - tree(s) ## Analysis EN ROUTE THE PILOT LEARNED THAT HIS DESTINATION VOR WAS OUT OF SERVICE. HOWEVER, AS HE APPROACHED THE VOR, IT WAS TURNED ON SO HE COULD SHOOT THE APPROACH. CONCERNED THAT THE VOR WOULD ONLY BE ON FOR A SHORT TIME, THE PILOT 'HURRIED THE APPROACH FROM THAT MOMENT ON.' DURING THE APPROACH THE AIRPLANE STRUCK WHAT THE PILOT THOUGHT WERE BIRDS. AFTER LANDING, HE EXAMINED THE AIRPLANE FOR DAMAGE AND FOUND DEBRIS FROM A TREE STRIKE. ## Factual narrative 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. After landing, the pilot examined the aircraft for damage and found debris from impacting trees. A map prepared by Minneapolis Air Route Traffic Control Center indicates N8919G at 2000 feet at the point of contact with the trees. The pilot reported no injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The scheduled cargo flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 135 for Superior Aviation, Lansing, Michigan, departed from Lansing, Michigan about 0600 CST. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8919G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8919G-2012-11-15), registration cancelled 2012-11-15, S/N 404-0098, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 404 - Registry model: [Cessna 404](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-404) (registry code 2075901) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental GTSI0-520-F-K](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-gtsi0-520-f-k) (registry code 17031, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 404-0098 - Airframe hours: 9000 - Engines: CONTINENTAL GTISO-520 375 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 135 - Operator: Superior Aviation - Registered owner: Superior Aviation - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: LAN, LANSING, MI - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: 77D, Roben-Hood ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 10,000 total, 2,000 in this make and model, 10,000 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Dawn - Wind: 120° at 4 knots - Visibility: 4 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 900 ft overcast - Temperature: 36 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: MKG, 47 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19931217049169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19931217049169A), Dec 17, 1993: Cessna 404CESSNA, Big Rapids, MI, Substantial damage. VOR turned on for pilots approach. Hurried approach fearing it would be turned off. Busted mda. Hit trees landing. ## Other investigations on N8919G (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB CHI96LA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA266), Aug 3, 1996: Cessna 404 (N8919G), Benton Harbor, MI, destroyed. Probable cause: the pilot's delay in initiating a go-around after not attaining the proper touchdown point during the landing, and his failure to remain clear of obstructions (trees) during the go-around. Factors… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.