On March 26, 1978, a Cessna 411 (registration N417DR) operated by James E. Ferguson was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Fe, United States of America in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by controlled flight into terrain resulting from poor preflight preparation and improper decision-making during the flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside during a night flight in the Santa Fe area, resulting in no survivors.
What happened
During a nighttime operation at an altitude of 11,700 feet, a twin engine airplane collided with a mountain slope within the Santa Fe region. The impact occurred while the aircraft was in flight, though the exact moment of the crash was not immediately determined. Following a search effort, the wreckage and all six fatalities were located by responders on April 2.
Findings
Investigations into the accident concluded that the crash was the result of controlled flight into terrain. The official analysis identified that the crew's actions were influenced by insufficient preflight planning and a series of incorrect decisions made while the aircraft was in the air.
Probable cause
The accident was caused by controlled flight into terrain resulting from poor preflight preparation and improper decision-making during the flight.