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Crash of a Cessna 441 Conquest II in Lander: 7 killed

Date & Time: Aug 28, 1986 at 2313 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N2727A
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Lander - Riverton - Denver
MSN:
441-0201
YOM:
1981
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Captain / Total flying hours:
18500
Aircraft flight hours:
1245
Circumstances:
On 5/1/86, the pilot had an acoustic tumor removed from his right ear which included the removal of the 8th nerve (balance nerve). His attending physician suggested approximately 1 year period of recuperation due to equilibrium problems associated with this type of surgery. On 7/12/86, he had a 1st class medical exam and received a medical certificate which was valid for flight test only. On 8/28/86, while taking off at night, the aircraft collided with rising terrain approximately 1.5 mile from the end of the runway at an elevation of about 5,600 feet. The airport elevation was 5,586 feet. A witness stated that he saw the aircraft takeoff, but it did not climb after takeoff. An investigation revealed that the accident occurred in an area that was isolated from ground lights. A post crash examination revealed no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction of the aircraft structure, flight controls, engine or propellers. According to the pilot's log book, his last night flight was on 3/22/85. He had been on duty for approximately 14 hours when the accident occurred. All seven occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff
Findings
1. (c) procedures/directives - not followed - pilot in command
2. (f) qualification - pilot in command
3. (f) lack of recent experience in type operation - pilot in command
4. (c) physical impairment - pilot in command
5. (f) light condition - dark night
6. (c) proper climb rate - not attained - pilot in command
7. (c) spatial disorientation - pilot in command
8. (f) fatigue - pilot in command
9. (f) visual/aural perception - pilot in command
10. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
11. (c) clearance - not maintained - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-15 Marquise in Riverton: 5 killed

Date & Time: Sep 6, 1981 at 0900 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N3ED
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Lander - North Platte
MSN:
101
YOM:
1968
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
1500
Captain / Total hours on type:
15.00
Circumstances:
While in cruising altitude on a flight from Lander to North Platte, Nebraska, the pilot encountered icing conditions. The airplane entered an uncontrolled descent then crashed in a field, bursting into flames. All five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent and subsequent uncontrolled collision with ground after the pilot attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Airframe ice,
- Icing conditions including sleet, freezing rain,
- Pilot aware of four deferred maintenance discrepancies involving the anti-ice system,
- Moderate icing forecast.
Final Report: