On September 20, 1996, a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair (registration N6468H) operated by Scenic Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Littlefield, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain during descent for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors were the dark night and mountainous terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An airplane being repositioned at night collided with the top of a 4,600-foot bluff over mountainous terrain. The pilot had a history of transient global amnesia. The engine was developing power at impact.
Accident Overview
The airplane was being repositioned to another airport during nighttime hours. The flight path traversed mountainous terrain. The aircraft collided with the top of a 4,600-foot bluff. The wreckage path was measured to be 567 feet in length, oriented directly along the course line from the departure point to the destination. Damage to the engine and propeller was consistent with the engine developing power at the time of impact.
Pilot Information
The pilot had a history of transient global amnesia, a medical condition characterized by temporary episodes of memory loss.
Determination of Cause
The official probable cause for the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain during descent for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors included the dark night and the mountainous terrain.
What happened in the 20 Sept 1996 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident near Littlefield, United States of America?
An airplane being repositioned at night collided with the top of a 4,600-foot bluff over mountainous terrain. The pilot had a history of transient global amnesia. The engine was developing power at impact.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Sept 1996 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 20 Sept 1996 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 failure to maintain clearance with terrain during descent for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors were the dark night and mountainous terrain.
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