What happened
The accident occurred during nighttime operations in the vicinity of McAlester, Oklahoma. The aircraft impacted rising terrain at a location situated approximately 300 feet below the crest of a hill. The crash site elevation was recorded at approximately 2100 feet mean sea level (MSL). This elevation is significantly higher than the McAlester airport field elevation, which stands at 770 feet MSL.
The investigation
Investigation details regarding mechanical examination or specific flight path analysis were not provided in the source documentation. Only the location and environmental context of the impact site were established.
Findings
Weather conditions were monitored at the nearest reporting station in McAlester, Oklahoma. At the time of the event, the weather consisted of a 1200-foot overcast ceiling with ragged cloud layers. Visibility was reported at seven miles. The aircraft encountered terrain that exceeded the local airport elevation by more than 1300 feet, suggesting operations in mountainous or hilly terrain under night visual flight rules or instrument meteorological conditions.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of terrain awareness during nighttime flights in areas with significant elevation changes. Pilots must ensure adequate clearance above rising terrain when operating near hills or ridges, particularly when weather conditions such as low ceilings may obscure visual references to the ground.