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Airplane Impacts Mountainous Terrain; Pilot's Toxicology Reveals Psychiatric Medications (N6750R)

Placitas, NM, US

On June 16, 2007, a Beech 58 (registration N6750R) operated by Robert P. Iacono was involved in an aviation accident near Placitas, NM. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain separation, for undetermined reasons, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. A contributing factor was the mountainous terrain. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Three and a half hours into a cross-country flight, the airplane struck mountainous terrain in daylight visual conditions. No pre-impact anomalies were found. Toxicology testing detected five psychiatric medications in the pilot, who had not disclosed them on his recent medical certificate application.

Accident Description

Approximately three and a half hours after departure on a cross-country flight, the airplane impacted mountainous terrain. The accident occurred during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions. Radar data and examination of the accident site indicated that the airplane was in level flight at a constant airspeed immediately before impact.

Investigation Findings

Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact engine or airframe anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. The airplane's flight path and impact signature were consistent with controlled flight into terrain.

Toxicology Results

Toxicology testing of the pilot's muscle and liver specimens revealed the presence of five different medications used for the treatment of mental disorders. The pilot, a neurosurgeon, had indicated on his most recent application for an airman medical certificate, filed less than two months before the accident, that he was not taking any medications and had no medical conditions. That application also noted that the pilot's medical license had been revoked.

Controlled flight into terrain

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jun 2007 Beech 58 accident near Placitas, NM?

Three and a half hours into a cross-country flight, the airplane struck mountainous terrain in daylight visual conditions. No pre-impact anomalies were found. Toxicology testing detected five psychiatric medications in the pilot, who had not disclosed them on his recent medical certificate application.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jun 2007 Beech 58 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jun 2007 involved a Beech 58, registration N6750R, operated by Robert P. Iacono, at Placitas, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain separation, for undetermined reasons, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. A contributing factor was the mountainous terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070628X00826. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.