Zone

Crash of a Cessna 402B in Giddings: 2 killed

Date & Time: Mar 23, 1976 at 2145 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N69314
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Austin - Houston
MSN:
402B-0431
YOM:
1973
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
5495
Circumstances:
En route by night from Austin to Houston, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions and decided to continue. Later, the twin engine airplane struck tree tops and crashed near Giddings. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Collision with trees in normal cruise due to improper in-flight decisions on part of the pilot. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions,
- High obstructions,
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Thunderstorm activity,
- Flew into known poor weather conditions.
Final Report: