The Mooney collided with trees and sank in a lake while attempting its third approach to Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU) in IMC. The sole occupants, a Private pilot and passenger, died in the crash. After two attempts at the ILS Runway 5R approach, controllers offered to divert the flight to nearby Greensboro, N.C. However, the pilot attempted the approach again, and on the third try crashed into trees short of the runway, coming to rest in the lake.
May 03, 2004, Cary, N.C. / Mooney M20M
The Mooney collided with trees and sank in a lake while attempting its third approach to Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU) in IMC. The sole occupants, a Private pilot and passenger, died in the crash. After two attempts at the ILS Runway 5R approach, controllers offered to divert the flight to nearby Greensboro, N.C. However, the pilot attempted the approach again, and on the third try crashed into trees short of the runway, coming to rest in the lake....
Key Takeaways:
- A Mooney aircraft crashed near Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU) during its third instrument approach attempt in IMC, resulting in the death of the private pilot and passenger.
- The pilot had previously failed two attempts at the ILS Runway 5R approach and declined an offer from controllers to divert to another airport.
- The aircraft impacted trees short of the runway, coming to rest in a lake.
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