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:
- A commercial pilot and three passengers were killed, and the airplane destroyed by impact and fire, after crashing during landing.
- Witnesses reported the airplane made an unusual series of turns (a right 270-degree turn followed by a sharp left turn) before descending out of sight and a subsequent fireball.
- High winds, with gusts up to 38 mph, were reported in the accident area at the time of the crash.
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