On May 8, 1996, a Beech 200 (registration N961LL) was involved in an aviation accident near Peoria, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions and the lightning strike. 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.
An Illinois Department of Transportation aircraft was struck by lightning about 23 miles southwest of Greater Peoria Regional Airport while carrying the Governor and Secretary of Transportation. The flight crew had been aware of convective weather activity in the area.
Incident Overview
An aircraft operated by the State of Illinois Department of Transportation experienced a lightning strike approximately 23 miles southwest of Greater Peoria Regional Airport. At the time of the incident, the Governor of Illinois and the Illinois Secretary of Transportation were aboard the aircraft.
Weather Conditions
A Convective SIGMET had been issued for the area, indicating the presence of severe thunderstorms. The advisory warned of thunderstorm activity that could pose hazards to aviation.
Crew Awareness
The flight crew had been informed of convective weather conditions along their planned route. They were aware of the potential for thunderstorms before the lightning strike occurred.
What happened in the 8 May 1996 Beech 200 accident near Peoria, IL?
An Illinois Department of Transportation aircraft was struck by lightning about 23 miles southwest of Greater Peoria Regional Airport while carrying the Governor and Secretary of Transportation. The flight crew had been aware of convective weather activity in the area.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 May 1996 involved a Beech 200, registration N961LL, at Peoria, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions and the lightning strike.
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