On October 17, 1974, a Beechcraft H18 (registration N72FA) operated by Fontana Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Iron Mountain, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with trees on a night approach following improper IFR operation, with contributing factors: instruments misread or failed to read, high obstructions, and descended below clearance limit of 3,000 feet. 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.
During a night approach to Iron Mountain Airport, a twin-engine airplane struck trees and crashed short of the runway, destroying the aircraft and killing the solo pilot. The probable cause was collision with trees due to improper IFR operation.
Accident Description
On a night approach to Iron Mountain Airport, the pilot of a twin-engine airplane descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). The aircraft subsequently struck tree tops and crashed in a wooded area located a few hundred yards short of the runway threshold. The impact destroyed the aircraft. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was a collision with trees during a night approach following improper IFR operation. Contributing factors reported included: instruments misread or failed to read, high obstructions, and descent below the clearance limit of 3,000 feet.
What happened in the 17 Oct 1974 Beechcraft H18 accident near Iron Mountain, United States of America?
During a night approach to Iron Mountain Airport, a twin-engine airplane struck trees and crashed short of the runway, destroying the aircraft and killing the solo pilot. The probable cause was collision with trees due to improper IFR operation.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Oct 1974 Beechcraft H18 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Oct 1974 involved a Beechcraft H18, registration N72FA, operated by Fontana Aviation, at Iron Mountain, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Collision with trees on a night approach following improper IFR operation, with contributing factors: instruments misread or failed to read, high obstructions, and descended below clearance limit of 3,000 feet.
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