March 10, 2008, Abbeville, La., Cessna T210M

The airplane was destroyed at approximately 2023 Central time following a collision with terrain. The instrument-rated commercial pilot and passenger were fatally injured. Instrument conditions prevailed. The pilot was receiving vectors for an instrument approach to runway 04R. After acknowledging a heading of 335 degrees, radar showed the airplane turning through the assigned heading and continuing a clockwise turn. The last radar plot shows the airplane heading approximately 046 degrees at 1600 feet, with a groundspeed of 207 knots. The initial impact point consisted of a crater that measured roughly two feet deep, four feet wide and six feet long.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An instrument-rated commercial pilot and a passenger were fatally injured when their airplane collided with terrain in instrument conditions.
  • The accident occurred after the pilot, receiving vectors for an instrument approach, failed to maintain the assigned heading and continued a clockwise turn prior to impact.
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The airplane was destroyed at approximately 2023 Central time following a collision with terrain. The instrument-rated commercial pilot and passenger were fatally injured. Instrument conditions prevailed.

The pilot was receiving vectors for an instrument approach to runway 04R. After acknowledging a heading of 335 degrees, radar showed the airplane turning through the assigned heading and continuing a clockwise turn. The last radar plot shows the airplane heading approximately 046 degrees at 1600 feet, with a groundspeed of 207 knots. The initial impact point consisted of a crater that measured roughly two feet deep, four feet wide and six feet long. The distribution of wreckage roughly followed a 160-degree magnetic heading and was approximately 250 feet long.

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