At about 1935 Pacific time, the airplane impacted terrain during landing. The commercial pilot and three passengers were killed; the airplane was destroyed by impact forces and post-crash fire. Visual conditions prevailed. Witnesses reported the airplane approached from the southwest, and crossed at midfield to enter the downwind leg for landing on Runway 21. The airplane made a right 270-degree turn, followed by a sharp left turn, and descended out of sight. Witnesses then reported seeing a fireball erupt in the area of the accident. Weather in the area was reported to be high winds out of the southwest at 25 mph, with gusts up to 38 mph.
May 22, 2009, Fallon, Nev., Cessna 320D Skyknight
Witnesses reported the airplane approached from the southwest, and crossed at midfield to enter the downwind leg for landing on Runway 21. The airplane made a right 270-degree turn, followed by a sharp left turn, and descended out of sight. Witnesses then reported seeing a fireball erupt in the area of the accident. Weather in the area was reported to be high winds out of the southwest at 25 mph, with gusts up to 38 mph.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane crashed during landing at approximately 1935 Pacific time, resulting in the deaths of the commercial pilot and three passengers.
- The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire under visual flight conditions.
- Witnesses reported an erratic flight path, including a 270-degree right turn followed by a sharp left turn, before the descent and subsequent fireball.
- High winds from the southwest, with gusts up to 38 mph, were reported in the area at the time of the accident.
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