On February 19, 2001, a Beech 95-B55 (registration N9927S) was involved in an aviation accident near Norris, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot encountering instrument meteorological conditions and his subsequent loss of control of the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane was destroyed and all occupants fatally injured after impacting rolling terrain. The non-instrument rated pilot encountered possible isolated instrument meteorological conditions along a route coinciding with an intensifying cold front.
Accident Details
The airplane was destroyed when it impacted rolling terrain. All occupants sustained fatal injuries. The pilot was not instrument rated.
Flight Path and Weather
Radar data from the final minutes of the flight indicate the airplane descended from a pressure altitude of 7,900 feet to 7,500 feet. The last radar return showed the airplane at 289 degrees true and 2.27 nautical miles from the accident site at an altitude of 7,700 feet. Weather data for the accident time indicated the possibility of isolated instrument meteorological conditions along the airplane's route of flight. The route coincided with an intensifying cold front in the area.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airplane, engines, and related systems did not reveal any anomalies that could be associated with a pre-impact condition.