On February 23, 2011, a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III (registration N3875C) operated by Starr Services was involved in an aviation accident near Connersville, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane while making a low-altitude turn during dark night conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A witness observed navigation lights as the airplane flew over the airport at 150–200 ft AGL before making a descending left turn and impacting the ground in a near-vertical attitude. Postaccident examination revealed no preimpact anomalies.
Accident Sequence
A witness reported seeing the navigation lights of the airplane as it passed over the south end of the airport at an altitude of 150 to 200 feet above ground level during dark night conditions. The airplane then initiated a left turn, entering the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. The turn continued in a descent until the airplane struck the ground in a near-vertical attitude.
Wind and Lighting Factors
During the turn, the wind shifted from a quartering headwind of 10 to 20 knots to a quartering tailwind. The airplane also turned toward a rural area where ground lighting was minimal.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane and its engines found no preimpact anomalies that would have prevented normal operation.
Probable Cause
The official finding stated that the pilot did not maintain control of the airplane while executing a low-altitude turn during dark night conditions.