Date & Time:
Sep 11, 1978 at 1925 LT
Type of aircraft:
Rockwell Shrike Commander 500
Operator:
Mercury Aircraft
Registration:
N40MA
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Raleigh - Hammondsport
MSN:
500-3234
YOM:
1975
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
1
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
2
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
While on approach to Hammondsport-Taylor-Van Gelder Airstrip in excellent weather conditions, the pilot failed to realize his altitude was too low when the airplane struck a mountain and crashed few miles from Hammondsport. Two passengers were rescued while three other occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Stall on final approach after the pilot misjudged distance and altitude and failed to maintain flying speed. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Obstructions to vision,
- Sunglare,
- Haze,
- Aircraft was approaching toward rising terrain.
- Obstructions to vision,
- Sunglare,
- Haze,
- Aircraft was approaching toward rising terrain.
Final Report:
N40MA.pdf115.27 KB
