Narrative:The Cessna 208 departed Decatur (DEC) at 21:54, transporting cargo for United Parcel Service (UPS) to Rockford (RFD). At 22:49 the pilot was cleared for the ILS runway 07 approach. One minute later the local controller issued the winds as 140 degrees at 18 knots and cleared the flight to land. On finals the Cessna struck trees and crashed on a plowed cornfield.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the ILS approach. Factors associated with the accident were the low ceilings, high winds, crosswind, and wind shear conditions that existed."
Accident investigation:
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Investigating agency: | NTSB  |
Status: | Investigation completed |
Duration: | 1 year and 4 months | Accident number: | CHI03FA041 | Download report: | Summary report
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Classification:
Turbulence
Loss of control
Sources:
» NTSB
Photos

accident date:
17-12-2002type: Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster
registration: N277PM
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 Decatur Airport, IL to Rockford-Greater Rockford Airport, IL as the crow flies is 261 km (163 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.