On October 24, 1975, a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (registration N100QU) operated by Escalante Coal was involved in an aviation accident near Berryville, United States of America in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Uncontrolled descent and airframe failure in flight after the pilot continued flight into known areas of severe turbulences. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
While en route from Arapahoe to Paducah, a pilot encountered severe thunderstorms, turbulence, and hail. Control was lost, the aircraft disintegrated in flight, and crashed in Berryville, killing all three occupants.
Accident Summary
An airplane flying from Arapahoe, Colorado, to Paducah crashed near Berryville after disintegrating in flight. All three occupants were killed.
Sequence of Events
During normal cruise, the pilot encountered very bad weather conditions, including thunderstorm activity, turbulence, and hail. Control was lost, and the airplane disintegrated in the air before crashing in Berryville.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident was an uncontrolled descent and airframe failure in flight after the pilot continued flight into known areas of severe turbulence. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the aircraft
- Overload failure
- Hail
- Turbulence
- Thunderstorm activity
- Separation in flight
- Flew into known thunderstorm conditions
- Aircraft disintegrated
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Oct 1975 Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II accident near Berryville, United States of America?
While en route from Arapahoe to Paducah, a pilot encountered severe thunderstorms, turbulence, and hail. Control was lost, the aircraft disintegrated in flight, and crashed in Berryville, killing all three occupants.
Were there any fatalities in the 24 Oct 1975 Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Oct 1975 involved a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II, registration N100QU, operated by Escalante Coal, at Berryville, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Uncontrolled descent and airframe failure in flight after the pilot continued flight into known areas of severe turbulences. The following contributing factors were reported: - The pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the aircraft, - Overload failure, - Hail, - Turbulences, - Thunderstorm activity, - Separation…