On July 17, 1981, a Beechcraft 80 Queen Air (registration N6867Q) operated by Soren Edward Jensen Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Gerlach, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Gear collapsed on touchdown after the pilot selected an unsuitable terrain. Rough/uneven terrain and marijuana residue found at the crash site were contributing factors. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A pilot was injured when the aircraft crash landed in rough terrain, losing its undercarriage and catching fire. Investigators cited unsuitable terrain selection and marijuana residue as contributing factors.
Accident
The pilot was attempting to land in a rough terrain area. During the landing attempt, the airplane crash landed, lost its undercarriage, and came to rest in flames. The pilot sustained injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Investigation
Following the accident, investigators examined the wreckage and the site. They determined that the landing gear collapsed on touchdown after the pilot selected an unsuitable terrain. Contributing factors reported in the official findings included the rough and uneven nature of the terrain, and the discovery of marijuana residue at the crash site.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was the gear collapsing on touchdown due to the pilot's selection of an unsuitable terrain. Rough/uneven terrain and marijuana residue found at the crash site were listed as contributing factors.