KING AIR C90, SOMERSET, KY., JAN. 18, 2000–Factual information in the investigation of a King Air–N74CC–that collided with a communications antenna while shooting the approach into Somerset-Pulaski County-JT Wilson Field (SME) in Somerset, Ky., was recently released by the NTSB. An ATP-rated pilot and three passengers were killed in the crash.
The pilot for the Hart Co. of South Hampton, Pa., was on a multi-day trip that began the day before from his home base at Philadelphia Northeast Airport (PNE). After an overnight stop in Columbus (Ohio) State University Airport (OSU), he had the turboprop topped off with jet-A and called to file an IFR flight plan and get a weather briefing at 0834. No forecast was available for Somerset so the pilot was provided the forecast for London, Ky., 26 mi to the east. The weather was reported across the area as 500 ft scattered, with occasional ceilings at 500 ft broken, 1,000 ft overcast and visibility five miles in mist and occasionally two miles in light drizzle and mist. The briefer also reminded the pilot that icing and turbulence were probable for the route.
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