Incident Overview
Date: Wednesday 19 November 1969
Aircraft Type: Fairchild FH-227B
Owner/operator: Mohawk Airlines
Registration Number: N7811M
Location: 17 km N of Glenn Falls-Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, NY (GFL) –
ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Unknown
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 14 / Occupants: 14
Component Affected: AircraftAircraft
Investigating Agency: NTSBNTSB
Category: Accident
A flight carrying 411 experienced a catastrophic landing following a collision with trees on Pilot Knob Mountain. The aircraft fell 38 feet, lodging between trees and subsequently triggering a fire. The incident was attributed to an excessive approach, resulting in a severe downdraft that exceeded the aircraft’s recovery capabilities.A flight carrying 411 experienced a catastrophic landing following a collision with trees on Pilot Knob Mountain. The aircraft fell 38 feet, lodging between trees and subsequently triggering a fire. The incident was attributed to an excessive approach, resulting in a severe downdraft that exceeded the aircraft’s recovery capabilities.
Description
Flight 411 had been cleared for a runway 19 VOR approach when it struck trees on the northwest slope of Pilot Knob Mountain, and impacted a rock cliff, after which the aircraft fell 38 feet, becoming lodged between trees. A fire broke out. PROBABLE CAUSE: “The captain, while conducting an approach, exceeded his clearance limits and, thereafter, flew the aircraft into a severe “lee of the mountain downdraft” at an altitude insufficient for recovery. No evidence was found to explain why this particular approach was attempted.”
Primary Cause
Excessive approach exceeding clearance limits, leading to a severe downdraft.Excessive approach exceeding clearance limits, leading to a severe downdraft.Share on:
