On October 21, 1995, a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III (registration N421TV) operated by Tango Victor 421 was involved in an aviation accident near Battle Creek-Kellogg Field-Executive, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to fly in adverse weather (icing) conditions; the accumulation of airframe ice; and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed for the situation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A Cessna 421C lost control and crashed while being vectored for an approach. Witnesses heard engines running. Investigation found no mechanical issues. A Boeing 727 pilot had reported ice accumulation earlier. Probable cause cited pilot decision to fly in icing conditions, ice accumulation, and failure to maintain airspeed.
Accident Overview
A Cessna 421C, while receiving radar vectors for an approach to land, departed controlled flight and impacted the terrain. Witnesses reported hearing the engines operating before the crash. Subsequent investigation found no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Weather and Icing Conditions
Within an hour of the accident, the pilot of a Boeing 727 reported that his airplane accumulated a "quick load" of ice during his descent to land at the same airport.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the pilot's decision to fly in adverse weather (icing) conditions; the accumulation of airframe ice; and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed for the situation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. The icing condition was cited as a related factor.
What happened in the 21 Oct 1995 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident near Battle Creek-Kellogg Field-Executive, United States of America?
A Cessna 421C lost control and crashed while being vectored for an approach. Witnesses heard engines running. Investigation found no mechanical issues. A Boeing 727 pilot had reported ice accumulation earlier. Probable cause cited pilot decision to fly in icing conditions, ice accumulation, and failure to maintain…
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Oct 1995 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Oct 1995 involved a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III, registration N421TV, operated by Tango Victor 421, at Battle Creek-Kellogg Field-Executive, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to fly in adverse weather (icing) conditions; the accumulation of airframe ice; and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed for the situation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. The icing condition was a related factor.
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