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).
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.