4 fatalities

1978-03-03: Cessna 411 (N3212R) — Michael C. Mirk Jr. — Chilcoot, United States of America

Chilcoot, United States of AmericaFlight

On March 3, 1978, a Cessna 411 (registration N3212R) operated by Michael C. Mirk Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Chilcoot, United States of America in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Uncontrolled descent and subsequent uncontrolled collision with ground after the pilot initiated flight in adverse weather conditions and suffered a spatial disorientation. Contributing factors: low ceiling, IFR flight conditions, VFR flight not recommended. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781226946Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in an uninhabited area near Chilcoot after the pilot lost control in adverse weather. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed. The accident was attributed to spatial disorientation and flight into IFR conditions.

Accident Overview

An aircraft operated under unknown circumstances crashed in a remote, uninhabited area in the Chilcoot region. The accident occurred while the pilot was flying in poor weather conditions. According to the official investigation, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which entered an uncontrolled descent and subsequently impacted the ground, resulting in a fire. The aircraft was destroyed, and all four occupants were killed.

Weather Conditions and Contributing Factors

At the time of the accident, adverse weather conditions included a low ceiling and instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions. The investigation noted that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended under these circumstances. The pilot had initiated flight despite these adverse conditions.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident was determined to be an uncontrolled descent and subsequent uncontrolled collision with terrain after the pilot initiated flight in adverse weather conditions and experienced spatial disorientation. Contributing factors included low ceiling, IFR flight conditions, and VFR flight not being recommended.

Investigation Findings

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or specific timeline were provided in the source material. The investigation did not mention any air traffic control involvement or additional causal factors beyond those listed.