Casualties unknown

Pilot Diverts After Generator Failure, Collides with Mountain During Unstable Approach (N3323V)

Klamath Falls, OR, US

On December 7, 1991, a Beech 35 (registration N3323V) operated by Russell W. Hackler was involved in an aviation accident near Klamath Falls, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT FACTOR IN THAT HE FAILED TO FOLLOW IFR PROCEDURES. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE GENERATOR FAILURE, OPERATION WITH KNOWN DEFICIENCIES WITH EQUIPMENT, AND POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a pleasure cross-country flight, the pilot reported a generator failure and diverted. While flying a DME arc, he turned inbound prematurely, deviated from procedures, lost radios, and collided with mountainous terrain.

Flight and Generator Failure

A pilot was conducting a pleasure cross-country flight when the aircraft's generator failed, as reported by the pilot. In response, the pilot decided to divert to an alternate airport. Air traffic control directed the pilot to fly a DME arc for the landing approach.

Approach and Deviation

The pilot established the aircraft on the DME arc but after a short time turned inbound before intercepting the published radial. Subsequently, the pilot did not maintain a straight-line course to the airport. The pilot reported to air traffic control that the radios were failing and the battery was going dead.

Collision with Terrain

The flight continued to descend off of the published instrument procedures. The aircraft eventually collided with mountainous terrain. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, number of occupants, injuries, fatalities, or weather conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18665. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.