Aircraft crash near Green Bay airport following takeoff

1 fatality • Green Bay, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A private jet crashed into a warehouse near Green Bay, Wisconsin, shortly after being cleared for takeoff during heavy snow and fog.

What happened

On the afternoon of the accident, the pilot requested taxi instructions from the Green Bay (GRB) tower, receiving clearance to proceed to runway 18. After confirming readiness for departure, the local controller cleared the aircraft for takeoff. Radar data indicated that the aircraft began its takeoff roll at 16:27:33. Approximately one minute into the flight, the pilot notified the controller of a problem and expressed a desire to return to the airport. During the subsequent exchange, the pilot's responses became less frequent as the aircraft transitioned to a heading of 091 degrees at 855 feet MSL.

At 16:28:55, radar contact with the aircraft was lost. An eyewitness observed a white private jet flying at a steep, nearly perpendicular angle to the ground with its left wing dipped. The aircraft was seen passing over power lines at a low altitude before striking the Morning Glory Dairy warehouse. There were 0 fatalities reported in the immediate sequence, though the aircraft was destroyed. The weather at the time of the incident involved moderate snow, fog, and visibility of only 1/2 statute mile.

Findings

An inspection of the aircraft showed no mechanical anomalies. However, analysis of the radio communications indicated that the pilot was experiencing increased stress and workload during the developing emergency. Speech patterns suggested the pilot may have been distracted by competing cockpit priorities, which likely contributed to an unusually long reaction time during the final moments of the flight.

Probable cause

The pilot was likely distracted by multiple cockpit priorities during an emerging emergency, leading to a loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-04-02 Cessna 501 Citation I accident near Green Bay, United States of America?

A private jet crashed into a warehouse near Green Bay, Wisconsin, shortly after being cleared for takeoff during heavy snow and fog.

Were there any fatalities in the 2001-04-02 Cessna 501 Citation I accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-04-02 involved a Cessna 501 Citation I, registration N405PC, operated by Travelers Solution, at Green Bay, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot was likely distracted by multiple cockpit priorities during an emerging emergency, leading to a loss of control.

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