The airplane was destroyed following a collision with terrain about 2146 Eastern time. The private pilot was fatally injured. Night instrument conditions prevailed; an IFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated in Winchester, Va., at about 1956. About an hour before the accident, the pilot requested an ILS approach at Lynchburg, Va. (LYH). He was provided vectors to the ILS final approach course and handed off to the LYH tower. He executed a missed approach, citing problems with his engine monitoring system. He was provided vectors for a second ILS approach but, shortly after issuing the clearance, ATC informed him he was well right of course and directed him to climb immediately to 3000 feet, citing a low-altitude alert. The pilot was directed to fly to the Kilbe intersection and expect the GPS approach. While in the area of Kilbe, the pilot was again directed to climb immediately for descending below assigned altitudes. The pilot reported he was still having problems with his engine monitoring system, and later reported that he had “complete gyro failure” and needed heading and altitude monitoring. The controller continued to provide assistance to the pilot, however he eventually lost radio and radar contact with the airplane in the vicinity of Kilbe. A witness reported the airplane flew over his house at high speed, in a descending, right-hand turn, until it crashed. He estimated the bank angle to be about 80 degrees. He stated that the engine sounded normal when it flew over his house.
April 22, 2011, Altavista, Va., Cessna 210D
The airplane was destroyed following a collision with terrain about 2146 Eastern time. The private pilot was fatally injured. Night instrument conditions prevailed; an IFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated in Winchester, Va., at about 1956. About an hour before the accident, the pilot requested an ILS approach at Lynchburg, Va. (LYH). He was provided vectors to the ILS final approach course and handed off to the LYH tower. He executed a missed approach, citing problems with his engine monitoring system.
Key Takeaways:
- A private pilot was fatally injured in a night collision with terrain under instrument conditions, having departed from Winchester, VA.
- The pilot reported issues with his engine monitoring system and later "complete gyro failure," leading to difficulties maintaining assigned altitudes and course during multiple approach attempts at Lynchburg, VA.
- Air traffic control provided vectors and issued low-altitude alerts, attempting to assist the pilot, but eventually lost radio and radar contact.
- A witness observed the airplane in a high-speed, steep descending turn before it crashed, reporting that the engine sounded normal.
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