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2 fatalities

Aircraft Crash During Circling Approach in Icing Conditions (N991PC)

Eagle River-Union, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 30, 1995, a Cessna 560 Citation V (registration N991PC) operated by Iowa Packing Company was involved in an aviation accident near Eagle River-Union, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed while executing the circling approach. Factors were the descent below minimum descent altitude, the fog, the low ceiling and the icing conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed while circling to land on runway 22 after a VOR/DME approach. The pilot failed to maintain airspeed, with fog, low ceiling, and icing contributing to the accident.

Accident Overview and Location Details The aircraft was in the process of circling to land on runway 22 following the execution of a VOR/DME approach. The airplane impacted the ground approximately one quarter mile northeast of the runway 22 threshold. The resulting wreckage path covered a distance of approximately 350 feet. Control continuity was established during the investigation, and examinations of the airframe, engine, and navigation aids revealed no abnormalities. However, approximately one-eighth inch of rime ice was found adhering to the leading edges of the left wing and horizontal stabilizer. Two witnesses reported seeing the airplane rolling from the left to the right. Additionally, the Eagle River AWOS was not available on a VHF radio frequency due to radio frequency congestion at the O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois.

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed while executing the circling approach. Factors were the descent below minimum descent altitude, the fog, the low ceiling and the icing conditions.
Icing

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Dec 1995 Cessna 560 Citation V accident near Eagle River-Union, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed while circling to land on runway 22 after a VOR/DME approach. The pilot failed to maintain airspeed, with fog, low ceiling, and icing contributing to the accident.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Dec 1995 Cessna 560 Citation V accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Dec 1995 involved a Cessna 560 Citation V, registration N991PC, operated by Iowa Packing Company, at Eagle River-Union, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed while executing the circling approach. Factors were the descent below minimum descent altitude, the fog, the low ceiling and the icing conditions.

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