Crash of a Beechcraft 65 Queen Air near Sula: 3 killed
Date & Time:
Oct 17, 1980 at 1425 LT
Registration:
N35CS
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Yuba City – Challis – Missoula
MSN:
LC-141
YOM:
1962
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total hours on type:
31.00
Circumstances:
While cruising at low altitude in poor weather conditions over a mountainous area, the twin engine airplane struck the slope of a mountain near Sula, Montana. The aircraft was destroyed by a post impact fire and all three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Collision with trees in normal cruise after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Snow,
- Witnesses reported low altitude flight through pass in mountainous terrain.
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Snow,
- Witnesses reported low altitude flight through pass in mountainous terrain.
Final Report:
