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:

Many accidents involved mechanical failures, such as engine power loss, engine fires, fractured components, or issues with landing gear and skis, often resulting in forced landings, ditching, or crashes.
Several fatal incidents occurred in challenging weather, low visibility, or during night operations, with pilots descending into terrain or water, sometimes after deviating from standard procedures or in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
Other accidents involved loss of control during various flight phases, including takeoff, landing, or while maneuvering for specific operations, with factors like pilot proficiency or post-maintenance testing contributing to the outcome.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.