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Twin-Engine Airplane Strikes Trees During Night Descent in Snow Showers (N4555L)

Reed City, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 29, 1971, a Cessna 421A Golden Eagle I (registration N4555L) operated by Kysor Industrial Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Reed City, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to follow the approved procedures. The following factors were reported: - Improper altimeter setting, - Snow showers, - Struck trees at an altitude of 1,050 feet, altitude reading 1,700 feet. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While descending to Cadillac Airport in poor visibility due to night and snow showers, a twin-engine airplane struck trees and crashed near Reed City, Michigan, seriously injuring all three occupants and destroying the aircraft.

Accident Overview

A twin-engine airplane was destroyed when it struck trees and crashed in a wooded area near Reed City, Michigan, approximately 28 miles south of Cadillac-Wexford County Airport. The accident occurred during descent to Cadillac Airport. All three occupants sustained serious injuries.

Sequence of Events

While descending, the pilot encountered poor visibility due to night conditions and snow showers. The pilot failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was too low. The airplane subsequently struck trees at an altitude of 1,050 feet, while the altimeter reading indicated 1,700 feet. The crash site was located in a wooded area in Reed City.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the pilot's failure to follow approved procedures. Contributing factors reported include an improper altimeter setting, snow showers, and the aircraft striking trees at an altitude of 1,050 feet with an altimeter reading of 1,700 feet.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Jan 1971 Cessna 421A Golden Eagle I accident near Reed City, United States of America?

While descending to Cadillac Airport in poor visibility due to night and snow showers, a twin-engine airplane struck trees and crashed near Reed City, Michigan, seriously injuring all three occupants and destroying the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Jan 1971 Cessna 421A Golden Eagle I accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Jan 1971 involved a Cessna 421A Golden Eagle I, registration N4555L, operated by Kysor Industrial Corporation, at Reed City, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to follow the approved procedures. The following factors were reported: - Improper altimeter setting, - Snow showers, - Struck trees at an altitude of 1,050 feet, altitude reading 1,700 feet.

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