NTSB Reports: March 2017

After taking air samples at various altitudes, the airplane was returning to its base and overshot a turn to the Runway 36 localizer. Shortly thereafter, the pilot reported an on-board fire. The airplane, which was at 1700 feet, lost altitude rapidly and radar contact was lost. The accident site was consistent with the airplane striking the ground at a high velocity, low angle of impact in a left wing slightly low attitude. There was a ground fire after impact.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Multiple accidents stemmed from mechanical failures, particularly engine power loss, component structural integrity issues (e.g., windshield, landing gear, skis), and electrical problems, leading to emergency landings or crashes.
Pilot decision-making and control issues, including inadequate weather avoidance, improper fuel management, loss of control during maneuvering, and controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), were significant contributing factors in many incidents.
Adverse weather conditions, such as severe precipitation, low visibility, and mountainous terrain, played a role in several accidents, sometimes leading to inflight breakups or unintentional flight into hazardous conditions.

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Cessna Model 340
December 1, 2016, Fargo, ND

The airplane impacted terrain at 1629 Central time. The solo pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed. Visual conditions prevailed; an IFR flight plan was in effect.