On July 27, 1969, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N319) operated by Air Car was involved in an aviation accident near Jersey Shore, United States of America in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain as the pilot continued under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions. The following factors were reported: - Low ceiling, - Rain, - Thunderstorm activity, - The pilot had previously asked for radar assistance but this was not… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A VFR flight crashed into a hillside during heavy rain and thunderstorms after the pilot requested radar assistance that was unavailable. All three occupants were killed.
Accident Overview
While cruising under visual flight rules (VFR), the pilot informed air traffic control (ATC) about a sudden deterioration of weather conditions and requested assistance. ATC was unable to provide the requested radar assistance at that time. Shortly thereafter, while flying in heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity, the airplane struck a hillside and crashed. All three occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) as the pilot continued operating under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions. Reported contributing factors included low ceiling, rain, thunderstorm activity, and the unavailability of radar assistance after the pilot had requested it.