Nighttime aircraft collision with bluff in mountainous terrain

1 fatality • Littlefield, United States of America • Flight

An aircraft crashed into a 4,600-foot bluff during a night repositioning flight over mountainous terrain.

What happened

During a night flight intended to reposition the aircraft to a different airport, the plane struck the summit of a 4,600-foot bluff. The flight was being conducted over mountainous terrain at the time of the impact. An investigation of the crash site identified a wreckage trail extending 567 feet, which ran parallel to the flight path between the departure and arrival locations.

Evidence recovered from the scene, specifically regarding the propeller and engine, suggested that the engine was producing power when the collision occurred. No information regarding the specific aircraft model or registration was provided in the source material, though the flight was underway during the night phase of operation.

Findings

Investigators noted that the pilot had a medical history involving episodes of transient global amnesia. This medical condition was identified as a factor in the investigation of the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot's history of transient global amnesia was noted alongside the impact with terrain during a night repositioning flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-09-20 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident near Littlefield, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed into a 4,600-foot bluff during a night repositioning flight over mountainous terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-09-20 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-09-20 involved a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair, registration N6468H, operated by Scenic Airlines, at Littlefield, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's history of transient global amnesia was noted alongside the impact with terrain during a night repositioning flight.

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