1 fatality

Pilot Killed, Four Injured in Crash on Final Approach to Houston-Intercontinental (N2029N)

Houston-George Bush-Intercontinental, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 30, 1978, a Beechcraft 90 King Air (registration N2029N) operated by Crawford Enterprises was involved in an aviation accident near Houston-George Bush-Intercontinental, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with trees and subsequent crash on final approach due to improper IFR operation. Contributing factors: low ceiling, fog, visibility limited to 3/4 mile or less. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On final approach to Houston-Intercontinental Airport, a twin-engine airplane struck trees and crashed in flames due to limited visibility and improper IFR operation. The pilot was killed; all four passengers were injured.

Accident Details

On final approach to Houston-Intercontinental Airport, a twin-engine airplane encountered limited visibility of 3/4 mile or less due to night, low ceiling, and foggy conditions. The pilot failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was too low, resulting in the airplane striking trees and crashing in flames. The pilot was killed, while all four passengers sustained injuries.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a collision with trees and subsequent crash on final approach due to improper IFR operation. Contributing factors included low ceiling, fog, and visibility limited to 3/4 mile or less.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Dec 1978 Beechcraft 90 King Air accident near Houston-George Bush-Intercontinental, United States of America?

On final approach to Houston-Intercontinental Airport, a twin-engine airplane struck trees and crashed in flames due to limited visibility and improper IFR operation. The pilot was killed; all four passengers were injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Dec 1978 Beechcraft 90 King Air accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Dec 1978 involved a Beechcraft 90 King Air, registration N2029N, operated by Crawford Enterprises, at Houston-George Bush-Intercontinental, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Collision with trees and subsequent crash on final approach due to improper IFR operation. Contributing factors: low ceiling, fog, visibility limited to 3/4 mile or less.