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Crash of a Socata TBM-700 in Evanston: 2 killed

Date & Time: Feb 18, 2018 at 1505 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N700VX
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Tulsa – Evanston
MSN:
118
YOM:
1997
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
4154
Captain / Total hours on type:
100.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3966
Circumstances:
The commercial pilot was conducting an instrument approach following a 3.5-hour cross-country instrument flight rules (IFR) flight in a single-engine turboprop airplane. About 1.6 miles from the runway threshold, the airplane began a climb consistent with the published missed approach procedure; however, rather than completing the slight left climbing turn toward the designated holding point, the airplane continued in an approximate 270° left turn, during which the airplane's altitude varied, before entering a descending right turn and impacting terrain. Tree and ground impact signatures were consistent with a 60° nose-low attitude at the time of impact. No distress calls were received or recorded from the accident flight. A postimpact fire consumed a majority of the cockpit and fuselage. Weather information for the time of the accident revealed that the pilot was operating in IFR to low IFR conditions with gusting surface winds, light to heavy snow, mist, cloud ceilings between 700 and 1,400 ft above ground level with clouds extending through 18,500 ft, and the potential for low-level wind shear and clear air turbulence. The area of the accident site was under AIRMETs for IFR conditions, mountain obscuration, moderate icing below 20,000 ft, and moderate turbulence below 18,000 ft. In addition, a winter storm warning was issued about 6 hours before the flight departed. Although the pilot received a weather briefing about 17 hours before the accident, there was no indication that he obtained updated weather information before departure or during the accident flight. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation; however, the extent of the fire damage precluded examination of the avionics system. The airplane was equipped with standby flight instruments. An acquaintance of the pilot reported that the pilot had experienced an avionics malfunction several months before the accident during which the airplane's flight display went blank while flying an instrument approach. During that occurrence, the pilot used ForeFlight on his iPad to maneuver back to the northeast and fly the approach again using his own navigation. During the accident flight, the airplane appeared to go missed approach, but rather than fly the published missed approach procedure, the airplane also turned left towards to northeast. However, it could not be determined if the pilot's actions were an attempt to fly the approach using his own navigation or if he was experiencing spatial disorientation. The restricted visibility and turbulence present at the time of the accident provided conditions conducive to the development of spatial disorientation. Additionally, the airplane's turning flight track and steep descent profile are consistent with the known effects of spatial disorientation.
Probable cause:
The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Evanston: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 18, 1990 at 1130 LT
Registration:
N4082H
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Rock Springs - Evanston
MSN:
31-8152087
YOM:
1981
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2001
Captain / Total hours on type:
671.00
Circumstances:
The air taxi cargo pilot crashed on a mountainside, about 7 miles from the airport, while on a VOR/DME instrument approach. Variable low ceilings and visibility had prevailed on the day of the accident. The pilot had had the flu for the preceding 2 weeks and was still taking medication. Sole on board, he was killed.
Probable cause:
The pilot's premature descent. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's fatigue and poor weather.
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: