Casualties unknown

1987-10-20: Cessna 310 (N57DS) — Robert R. Kartes — Brownton, MN

Brownton, MN, US

On October 20, 1987, a Cessna 310 (registration N57DS) operated by Robert R. Kartes was involved in an aviation accident near Brownton, MN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in an open farm field at night, with a near-vertical impact angle. Engines were buried 8 feet deep; wreckage confined to aircraft dimensions. Pilot had reported turbulence and rime ice earlier.

Crash Details

An aircraft crashed in an open farm field during night dark conditions. A witness reported hearing a loud roar of engines, followed by a hard dull thud, and then silence. The angle of impact was near vertical. The engines were buried 8 feet deep, and the wreckage was confined to within the dimensions of the aircraft.

Pilot Communications

The pilot had been given a PIREP (pilot report) on the flight to Ogallala, which advised of turbulence and rime ice. There was no radio contact or weather update request made on the flight back to Crystal City.

Weather Conditions

The weather at the accident site was unknown, except for a resident near the site who said it was cold but not raining when she heard the sound of the aircraft and the thud of what she believed was the aircraft crashing. The Flight Service Station (FSS) at Redwood Falls, Minnesota, about 36 nautical miles from the accident site, reported at 0100 CDT observation: 1000 feet scattered, 1500 feet overcast, and 12 miles visibility.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32280. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.