Narrative:The flight departed Fergus Falls (FFM) at 23:07 for a cargo flight to Gwinner (GWR). Because the ceiling at Gwinner was below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) the pilot decided to divert to Fargo (FAR). However, he was not able to contact ATC and elected to continue to Gwinner. Weather at Gwinner was: wind from 250 degrees at 8 knots; overcast sky at 400 feet above ground level (agl); temperature and dew point were 10 degrees Celsius; and the altimeter setting was 29.70 inches of Mercury. At MDA the pilot observed the runway and continued the approach. About 2 km short of the airport, the aircraft impacted an open field.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The pilot's failure to maintain altitude during the circling maneuver. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper decision to execute the approach when weather conditions were below minimums and the low light (dark night) conditions."
Accident investigation:
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Investigating agency: | NTSB |
Status: | Investigation completed |
Duration: | 188 days (6 months) | Accident number: | CHI04LA278 | Download report: | Summary report
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Classification:
Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) - Ground
Sources:
» NTSB
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Fergus Falls Airport, MN to Gwinner-Roger Melroe Field Airport, ND as the crow flies is 114 km (71 miles).
Accident location: Exact; as reported in the official accident report.
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.