Casualties unknown

Corporate Airplane Destroyed in Crash Near Mission, South Dakota (N34DD)

Mission, SD, US

On August 23, 2000, a Cessna 340A (registration N34DD) was involved in an aviation accident near Mission, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the aircraft control not maintained by the pilot. A contributing factor was pilot fatigue. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A corporate airplane was destroyed on impact with terrain and subsequent fire near Mission, South Dakota. The pilot had been on duty for approximately 21 hours prior to the accident. Night meteorological conditions prevailed. No explicit cause was determined.

Accident Overview

A corporate airplane was destroyed following an impact with rolling terrain and fire approximately 1.3 nautical miles northeast of the Mission Sioux Airport (0V6), Mission, South Dakota. The flight was en route to the Rapid City Regional Airport, Rapid City, South Dakota, located 114 nautical miles on a magnetic bearing of 284 degrees from 0V6.

The accident occurred during night meteorological conditions. A witness and communications with the airplane and pilot indicated that the pilot had a continuous duty time of approximately 21 hours, which began at least at 0414 mountain daylight time on the day prior to the accident date.

Wreckage Examination

The wreckage path measured 290 feet in length and was oriented on a magnetic heading of 290 degrees. Debris was distributed along 230 feet of the path. Propeller slash marks were present at the beginning of the wreckage path, and both propellers displayed twisting.

Aircraft Examination

Postaccident examination of components revealed a preexisting crack in the right turbocharger's exhaust. However, no indication of melting was found in the fuel lines adjacent to that area. No other system anomalies were noted during the examination.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Aug 2000 Cessna 340A accident near Mission, SD?

A corporate airplane was destroyed on impact with terrain and subsequent fire near Mission, South Dakota. The pilot had been on duty for approximately 21 hours prior to the accident. Night meteorological conditions prevailed. No explicit cause was determined.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Aug 2000 involved a Cessna 340A, registration N34DD, at Mission, SD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the aircraft control not maintained by the pilot. A contributing factor was pilot fatigue.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21659. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.