5 fatalities

Twin-Engine Airplane Crashes into Mountain near Spanish Fork (N5469G)

Spanish Fork, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On January 9, 1979, a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III (registration N5469G) operated by AABC Investors was involved in an aviation accident near Spanish Fork, United States of America during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled collision with ground from climb to cruise due to improper IFR operation. The following contributing factors were reported: - Inadequate preflight preparation, - Low ceiling, - Fog, - Snow, - Visibility 3/4 mile or less. 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

Shortly after takeoff from Provo Airport, a twin-engine airplane struck a mountain slope near Spanish Fork, Utah, in marginal weather. The wreckage was found four days later. All five occupants were killed.

Overview

On an unspecified date, a twin-engine airplane departed from Provo Airport. Minutes after takeoff, while climbing through marginal weather conditions with limited visibility, the aircraft collided with the slope of a mountain near Spanish Fork, several miles southeast of Provo.

Accident

The wreckage was discovered four days later, on January 13. All five individuals on board were killed. The accident occurred during the climb phase of flight, transitioning from climb to cruise altitude.

Investigation

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be a controlled collision with terrain due to improper IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operation. Contributing factors reported include inadequate preflight preparation, low ceiling, fog, snow, and visibility of three-quarters of a mile or less.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jan 1979 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident near Spanish Fork, United States of America?

Shortly after takeoff from Provo Airport, a twin-engine airplane struck a mountain slope near Spanish Fork, Utah, in marginal weather. The wreckage was found four days later. All five occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jan 1979 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jan 1979 involved a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III, registration N5469G, operated by AABC Investors, at Spanish Fork, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Controlled collision with ground from climb to cruise due to improper IFR operation. The following contributing factors were reported: - Inadequate preflight preparation, - Low ceiling, - Fog, - Snow, - Visibility 3/4 mile or less.