At 0918 Eastern time, the airplane was destroyed following an in-flight collision with terrain and subsequent explosion while attempting to land. Instrument conditions prevailed; the flight instructor, dual student and two passengers were fatally injured. While being cleared for the VOR-A approach, the pilot stated his intention to land on Runway 27. Radar data shows the airplane approached the airport from the northeast, crossed over the intersection of Runways 9/27 and 16/34 at about 1060 feet msl, and then proceeded eastbound at about 960 feet msl. Witnesses reported seeing the airplane traveling eastbound, approximately 150 to 200 feet above ground, then perform a left turn back toward airport before impacting nose first into the terrain. Several witnesses stated that they could see the entire bottom side of the airplane before it impacted the terrain.
August 14, 2006, Sault Ste Marie, Mich./Piper PA-23-250
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane attempting to land in instrument conditions crashed into terrain and exploded, fatally injuring the flight instructor, dual student, and two passengers.
- Despite being cleared for an approach and stating an intention to land on Runway 27, radar data showed the airplane proceeding eastbound at a low altitude after crossing the airport.
- Witnesses observed the airplane traveling eastbound at approximately 150-200 feet above ground, perform a sharp left turn, and then impact nose-first with its entire underside visible.
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