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5 fatalities

Aircraft Crashes After Takeoff from Grand Canyon Airport (N318M)

Grand Canyon-National Park, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On April 16, 1971, a Beechcraft G18S (registration N318M) operated by Scientific Company was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Canyon-National Park, United States of America during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inadequate preflight preparation on part of the flying crew who took improper in-flight decisions. The following factors were reported: - Improperly loaded aircraft and/or CofG., - High density altitude, - Turned right into rising terrain, - Over max gross… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

An aircraft crashed shortly after a night takeoff from Grand Canyon-National Park Airport, killing all five occupants. The probable cause was inadequate preflight preparation and improper in-flight decisions, with factors including improper loading, high density altitude, and turning into rising terrain.

Accident Details

Shortly after takeoff from runway 21 at Grand Canyon-National Park Airport, during the initial climb at night, the flight crew initiated a right turn. The airplane subsequently struck tree tops and crashed, resulting in a fire. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all five occupants died.

Probable Cause and Contributing Factors

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be inadequate preflight preparation on the part of the flying crew, who took improper in-flight decisions. The following factors were reported:

  • Improperly loaded aircraft and/or center of gravity.
  • High density altitude.
  • Turned right into rising terrain.
  • Over maximum gross weight by approximately 257 pounds.
  • Density altitude of about 7,200 feet.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Apr 1971 Beechcraft G18S accident near Grand Canyon-National Park, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed shortly after a night takeoff from Grand Canyon-National Park Airport, killing all five occupants. The probable cause was inadequate preflight preparation and improper in-flight decisions, with factors including improper loading, high density altitude, and turning into rising terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Apr 1971 Beechcraft G18S accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Apr 1971 involved a Beechcraft G18S, registration N318M, operated by Scientific Company, at Grand Canyon-National Park, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Inadequate preflight preparation on part of the flying crew who took improper in-flight decisions. The following factors were reported: - Improperly loaded aircraft and/or CofG., - High density altitude, - Turned right into rising terrain, - Over max gross weight about 257 pounds, - Density altitude about 7,200 feet.

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