On July 27, 1970, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N332R) operated by Aero Taxi - USA was involved in an aviation accident near Manitou Beach, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control in flight after the pilot became lost/disoriented. Contributing factors: physical impairment, pilot fatigue, departed Rockford approximately 18 hours prior to the accident, flew 10 hours during the day, attended copilot picnic observed with… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot and passenger died after the pilot lost control of the airplane while cruising over Lake Michigan at night. The pilot had been flying for about 18 hours since departing Rockford early that morning.
Accident Overview
The pilot and a passenger departed Rockford in the early morning and conducted several flights throughout the day in the region. While cruising over Lake Michigan at night, the pilot lost control of the airplane, which then crashed into the lake off Manitou Beach. Both occupants were killed.
Flight History
The pilot had departed Rockford approximately 18 hours prior to the accident and had flown about 10 hours during the day. The pilot had attended a copilot picnic where he was observed with a can of beer. Toxicological results were not decisive.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official probable cause was loss of control in flight after the pilot became lost/disoriented. Contributing factors identified were physical impairment, pilot fatigue, the long duty day (departed 18 hours prior, flew 10 hours), and attendance at a picnic where beer was consumed.