Fatal aircraft accident near Mexico, Missouri

1 fatality • Lebanon-Floyd W. Jones, United States of America • Flight

A single-engine aircraft crashed in a field near Mexico, Missouri, resulting in the death of the pilot during unauthorized acrobatic maneuvers.

What happened

Following the completion of passenger disembarkation at Mexico Airport in Missouri, the pilot began a flight back to the base located at Lebanon-Floyd W. Jones Airport. During the approach phase of the flight, the pilot began performing aerobatic maneuvers. During these maneuvers, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently struck a field. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the plane. There was only one person on board, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified several contributing factors related to the pilot's actions during the flight. The crash was primarily caused by loss of control following poor judgment. Specific findings included:

  • Execution of unauthorized low-altitude aerobatics near the airport
  • Improper use of flight controls
  • Failure to maintain the necessary airspeed for safe flight
  • An aerodynamic stall occurring while attempting to recover from a roll
  • Deviation from established flight procedures and unwarranted low-level flying

Probable cause

The pilot lost control of the aircraft due to poor judgment while performing unauthorized low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1974-02-20 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident near Lebanon-Floyd W. Jones, United States of America?

A single-engine aircraft crashed in a field near Mexico, Missouri, resulting in the death of the pilot during unauthorized acrobatic maneuvers.

Were there any fatalities in the 1974-02-20 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1974-02-20 involved a Cessna 414 Chancellor, registration N1628T, operated by Empire Gas Corporation, at Lebanon-Floyd W. Jones, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost control of the aircraft due to poor judgment while performing unauthorized low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers.

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