On November 7, 1968, a Cessna 402 (registration N8419F) operated by Jet Set Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Allentown-Lehigh Valley (Bethlehem-Easton), United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inadequate preflight preparation and/or planning; improperly loaded aircraft (weight and center of gravity); cargo shift during final approach causing pitch and lateral control problems; cargo net not used; aircraft center of gravity caused stall when power… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
On final approach to Allentown Airport, a twin-engine cargo airplane became unstable, entered a spin, and crashed short of the runway. The pilot was killed and the aircraft destroyed. The probable cause includes inadequate preflight, improper loading, and cargo shift.
Accident Details
A twin-engine cargo aircraft was on final approach to Allentown Airport during a night cargo flight. The airplane became unstable, entered a spin, and crashed short of the runway. The aircraft was destroyed, and the sole occupant, the pilot, was killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified the probable cause as a combination of several factors: inadequate preflight preparation and/or planning; improperly loaded aircraft, affecting weight and center of gravity; cargo shifting during final approach, leading to pitch and lateral control problems; witnesses reported that the cargo net was not used; and the aircraft's center of gravity caused a stall when power was reduced for an emergency landing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Nov 1968 Cessna 402 accident near Allentown-Lehigh Valley (Bethlehem-Easton), United States of America?
On final approach to Allentown Airport, a twin-engine cargo airplane became unstable, entered a spin, and crashed short of the runway. The pilot was killed and the aircraft destroyed. The probable cause includes inadequate preflight, improper loading, and cargo shift.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Nov 1968 Cessna 402 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Nov 1968 involved a Cessna 402, registration N8419F, operated by Jet Set Aviation, at Allentown-Lehigh Valley (Bethlehem-Easton), United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Inadequate preflight preparation and/or planning; improperly loaded aircraft (weight and center of gravity); cargo shift during final approach causing pitch and lateral control problems; cargo net not used; aircraft center of gravity caused stall when power was reduced for emergency landing.