Cessna 208
Baltimore, MD — February 7, 2020
Event Information
| Date | February 7, 2020 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA20CA095 |
| Event ID | 20200207X72541 |
| Location | Baltimore, MD |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.17583, -76.66889 |
| Airport | Baltimore/Washington Intl Thur |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Cessna |
| Model | 208 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 135 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | NITE |
| Weather | IMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the approach lights during an instrument approach.
Full Narrative
The pilot was conducting an instrument landing system approach in night instrument meteorological conditions to the destination airport. The pilot was utilizing the autopilot for the approach and disengaged it when he had the runway and airport lighting system in view. As he approached the runway, the pilot heard a sound and thought the airplane had hit a bird. He felt the airplane pitch up so he increased engine power and pitched down in order to reach the runway. After the pilot landed and taxied to the ramp, he saw that a large piece of an approach light was caught on the airplane's right main landing gear. Further inspection revealed that the airplane's empennage, right horizontal stabilizer, right wing strut, and front cargo pod were also damaged. The operator reported that the airplane had struck four separate approach light towers as well as a localizer antenna.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.