Casualties unknown

1995-10-22: Cessna 421C (N421TV) — Battle Creek, MI

Battle Creek, MI, US

On October 22, 1995, a Cessna 421C (registration N421TV) was involved in an aviation accident near Battle Creek, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's decision to fly in adverse weather (icing) conditions; the accumulation of airframe ice; and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed for the situation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. 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

A Cessna 421C crashed while receiving radar vectors for an approach; no mechanical anomalies were found. A pilot reported ice accumulation during descent to the same airport within an hour of the accident.

Accident Overview

A Cessna 421C airplane crashed after departing controlled flight while receiving radar vectors for an approach to land. The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain. Witnesses reported hearing the engines operating before the crash.

Investigation Findings

Investigators examined the airplane and found no mechanical anomalies. The aircraft appeared to have been operating normally prior to the accident.

Weather Conditions

Within an hour of the accident, the pilot of a Boeing 727 reported that his airplane accumulated a 'quick load' of ice during his descent to land at the same airport. This observation indicates potential icing conditions in the area at the time of the accident.

Sequence of Events

The accident airplane was under radar vector guidance from air traffic control for an approach. During this phase, it departed controlled flight and crashed. No additional information about the specific nature of the loss of control is available from the source.

Conclusion

The investigation did not identify any mechanical issues with the airplane. The presence of icing conditions, as reported by another pilot, may be relevant, but the source does not explicitly state a cause for the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04656. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.