On November 30, 1975, a Cessna 402 (registration N52SA) operated by Scenic Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Elko, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain following improper IFR operation. Contributing factors: failed to follow approved procedures, low ceiling, snow, turbulences associated with clouds and thunderstorm, high obstructions, blowing snow, and the pilot did not use… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine airplane struck a hill on approach to Elko after the pilot descended below the minimum descent altitude in poor weather conditions; the wreckage was found three days later. Both occupants died.
Accident
On approach to Elko, the pilot of a twin-engine airplane encountered poor weather conditions, including low ceiling, snow falls, and turbulence associated with clouds and thunderstorm. The pilot descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) until the airplane struck a hill located a few miles from the airport. The wreckage was discovered three days later, on December 2.
Investigation
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be controlled flight into terrain following improper IFR operation. Several contributing factors were reported: the pilot failed to follow approved procedures; low ceiling; snow; turbulence associated with clouds and thunderstorm; high obstructions; blowing snow; and the pilot did not use the available instrument approach chart for reference.
Aftermath
Both occupants of the airplane were killed in the accident.