On December 18, 1985, a Beech V-35B (registration N24198) operated by William Hart was involved in an aviation accident near Wibaux, MT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot without an instrument rating encountered clouds during cruise. The aircraft made a steep descent, broke out of clouds, and impacted a snow-covered field at high speed. The pilot had not performed a preflight inspection or deiced the aircraft.
Accident Overview
The pilot reported that light snow was falling at the airport at the time of departure. A passenger stated after the accident that the pilot encountered clouds at the cruise altitude of about 6,000 feet. The passenger continued to state that the aircraft made a shallow descent at the first encounter with the clouds, but the descent became very steep several times during the descent.
Impact
The aircraft broke out of the clouds and impacted a snow-covered field. The impact occurred at a high rate of descent and high airspeed. The passenger provided these details about the descent and impact.
Pilot Actions
The pilot did not perform a preflight inspection of the aircraft prior to departure. He also did not deice the aircraft before departure. Furthermore, the pilot does not hold an instrument rating. These are all reported circumstances of the flight.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Dec 1985 Beech V-35B accident near Wibaux, MT?
A pilot without an instrument rating encountered clouds during cruise. The aircraft made a steep descent, broke out of clouds, and impacted a snow-covered field at high speed. The pilot had not performed a preflight inspection or deiced the aircraft.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Dec 1985 involved a Beech V-35B, registration N24198, operated by William Hart, at Wibaux, MT.
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