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Crash of a Cessna 402C in Rawlins

Date & Time: Jun 1, 1997 at 2240 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N1233P
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Rawlins – Riverton
MSN:
402C-0804
YOM:
1984
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
13000
Captain / Total hours on type:
4000.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7674
Circumstances:
During the initial climb after takeoff, while executing a dark-night departure, the pilot failed to maintain clearance from rising terrain about one and one-quarter mile off the end of the runway. Operator records indicated that the pilot had flown out of this airport in the past, and that the aircraft was approximately 600 pounds below maximum certificated gross weight at the time of departure. A teardown inspection of both engines revealed no pre-impact anomalies, and visual and teardown inspections of the propellers showed damage signatures consistent with ground contact in a flat pitch under significant power.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain during the initial climb after a night takeoff. Factors include a dark night and rising terrain off the departure end of the runway.
Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-35 Marquise in Casper: 4 killed

Date & Time: Apr 6, 1993 at 0435 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N96JP
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Riverton - Casper
MSN:
556
YOM:
1972
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
12360
Captain / Total hours on type:
205.00
Aircraft flight hours:
4781
Circumstances:
The aircraft was on an air ambulance (EMS) flight and was cleared for the ILS runway 08 approach at Casper, WY. Radar data showed the aircraft tracking and descending normally on the DME arc, until it was below radar coverage for the area. Subsequently, it collided with the top of a ridge, along the localizer centerline, before reaching the outer marker, about 8 miles from the airport. Elevation of the crash site was about 5,800 feet; minimum descent altitude before intercepting the ILS glide slope was 7,100 feet; crossing altitude at the outer marker was 6,700 feet. All four occupants were killed, a patient, two doctors and a pilot.
Probable cause:
Failure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude during the night ifr approach in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Gulfstream 690C Jetprop 840 in Golden: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 22, 1992 at 2022 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N81TR
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Rifle - Denver
MSN:
690-11690
YOM:
1981
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
5400
Captain / Total hours on type:
910.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7768
Circumstances:
While in a descent for arrival at the destination airport, the aircraft sustained structural failure with the right outer wing, horizontal stabilizer, and vertical stabilizer separating from the aircraft. The aircraft impacted approximately 10 miles from the planned destination. According to radar data and other research, the descent was conducted at vne and known severe turbulence was present in the area at the time of the accident.
Probable cause:
The pilot flying the aircraft beyond the design maneuvering speed and exceeding the design stress limits. A factor was: clear air turbulence.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 340 in Riverton

Date & Time: Jul 30, 1978 at 1000 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N1381G
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Riverton - Evanston
MSN:
340-0080
YOM:
1972
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2997
Captain / Total hours on type:
345.00
Circumstances:
At liftoff, both engines lost power. The pilot elected to return but eventually decided to make an emergency landing. He was forced to make an evasive maneuver to avoid collision and completed a belly landing in an open field. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Improper maintenance, servicing, inspection,
- Fuel injection system,
- Excessive pressure,
- Intentional wheels-up landing,
- High density altitude,
- Reversed course immediately after takeoff.
Final Report: