Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to perform a go-around after encountering thick fog at night.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot was receiving flight-following services. He advised an air traffic controller that he had the airport in sight, and the controller acknowledged and told the pilot that radar services were terminated. The airport had an unimproved grass strip and runway lights. Two witnesses who lived next to the airport said thick fog quickly enveloped the area shortly before the accident. Another witness said that visibility had dropped to less than 1/4 mile and that he heard the airplane fly low over his house but could not see it. On the approach to land, the airplane struck trees and terrain about 1/4 mile northeast of the airport. A postimpact fire ensued. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was instrument equipped and the commercial pilot held an instrument rating.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13FA082 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 2, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Correctionville, Iowa
- Nearest airport
- Private
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 2
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night, dark
Beech P35
- N-number
- N1566Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.