2 fatalities

1981-09-29: Cessna 414 Chancellor (N5404G) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Tonopah, United States of America

Tonopah, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 29, 1981, a Cessna 414 Chancellor (registration N5404G) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Tonopah, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Uncontrolled collision with ground during a go-around after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781222181Data APIEditorial standards

During a local training flight at Tonopah Airport, a go-around led to loss of control and crash, killing both occupants. Investigation cited pilot failure to maintain flying speed.

Incident

During a local training flight at Tonopah Airport, the crew initiated a go-around maneuver. The pilot-in-command lost control of the airplane, which entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed. Both occupants were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause as an uncontrolled collision with ground during a go-around after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. Contributing factors included that the flight was a local instructional and pilot qualification checkout with simulated single-engine training, and that the pilot-in-command was presumed at the controls.

Additional Context

The training flight involved a simulated single-engine scenario and a pilot qualification check. The accident occurred during a go-around, a maneuver commonly practiced in training. The loss of control resulted in a crash with no survivors.