January 15, 2007, Wayne, N.J., Beech A36 Bonanza

At 1943 Eastern time, the airplane was destroyed when it impacted trees and a residential street during an instrument approach. The Airline Transport pilot was fatally injured. Instrument conditions prevailed. The flight was attempting a localizer approach when a witness traveling in her car noticed the airplane approach in a wings-level descent, just above treetop height.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An airplane was destroyed during an instrument approach in instrument conditions, resulting in the fatal injury of the Airline Transport pilot.
  • The aircraft impacted trees and a residential street at 1943 Eastern time, exploding upon impact.
  • A witness observed the airplane in a wings-level, shallow descent with continuous engine sound, followed by a sharp descent just before impact.
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At 1943 Eastern time, the airplane was destroyed when it impacted trees and a residential street during an instrument approach. The Airline Transport pilot was fatally injured. Instrument conditions prevailed. The flight was attempting a localizer approach when a witness traveling in her car noticed the airplane approach in a wings-level descent, just above treetop height. She said the engine sound was smooth and continuous with no interruption. The witness described the angle of descent as shallow, and that the airplane descended sharply “at the end,” exploding on impact.

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