On March 2, 1972, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N375C) operated by Luthi Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Bismarck, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper IFR operation on part of the pilot who failed to follow the approved procedures. The following factors were reported: - Instrument misread or failed to read, - Altimeter setting incorrect, - High obstructions, - Hit power cables on VOR approach, -… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine cargo aircraft struck power cables during a night VOR approach to Bismarck Airport, crashed in an open field, and was destroyed. The pilot sustained serious injuries.
Accident Overview
A cargo flight operating from Dickinson to Bismarck Airport was on a night VOR approach when it struck power cables, lost altitude, and crashed in an open field a few miles short of the runway. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact, and the pilot was seriously injured.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be improper IFR operation by the pilot, who failed to follow approved procedures. Several contributing factors were identified: the pilot misread or failed to read an instrument; an incorrect altimeter setting; the presence of high obstructions; and the aircraft impacting power cables during the approach. Notably, the altimeter in the aircraft was set to 30.89 and 30.13, while the approach transmitted setting was 29.75. Additionally, the pilot was not wearing glasses at the time of the accident.