Fatal night cargo flight crash near La Crosse

1 fatality • Cochrane, United States of America • Flight

A single-pilot cargo operation ended in a fatal crash during the cruise phase of flight due to an uncontrolled descent.

What happened

During a nighttime cargo transport mission traveling from La Crosse to Minneapolis, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. While operating at cruising altitude, the pilot lost command of the airplane, which subsequently struck the ground in a field.

There was one fatality resulting from the impact, as the pilot was the only person on board the aircraft at the time of the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the crash identified that the aircraft underwent an uncontrolled descent. A significant contributing factor noted by the chief pilot was physical impairment, specifically involving the pilot falling asleep while operating the flight.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an uncontrolled descent resulting from the pilot's physical impairment due to fatigue.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-06-02 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident near Cochrane, United States of America?

A single-pilot cargo operation ended in a fatal crash during the cruise phase of flight due to an uncontrolled descent.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-06-02 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-06-02 involved a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair, registration N91005, operated by Air Taxi Operation, at Cochrane, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an uncontrolled descent resulting from the pilot's physical impairment due to fatigue.

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