What happened
On July 4, 1993, at approximately 0320 hours MST, a Cessna T303, registration N9667C, collided with terrain roughly 2,000 feet before the approach end of runway 21 at Ernest A. Love Field in Prescott, Arizona. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and five fatalities, including the pilot and four passengers.
The aircraft had arrived at the airport late on the previous evening, July 3, 1994. Following the arrival, the occupants were observed consuming alcoholic beverages at the airport and in the downtown Prescott area. During the night, the pilot engaged in social interactions with several individuals, during which he mentioned his fatigue from a long work schedule and travel.
At approximately 0245 hours on the morning of the accident, the group returned to the airport. The pilot attempted to activate the pilot-controlled airport lighting system. At 0254 hours, the pilot contacted the Prescott Flight Service Station to request assistance with the lighting system, subsequently receiving instructions on the correct frequency to use. After successfully activating the lights, the pilot received the local altimeter setting and a weather advisory regarding moderate turbulence.
Radar data from Albuquerque Center tracked the aircraft in a right-hand traffic pattern for runway 21 at 0319 hours. The aircraft reached a maximum altitude of approximately 6,500 feet MSL before the collision occurred.
Findings
- The pilot had been consuming alcoholic beverages prior to the flight.
- The pilot was experiencing significant fatigue following a period of continuous work and travel.
- The flight was conducted under night visual meteorological conditions.