FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Non-Precision Approach Accident at La Crosse Airport (N956SM)

La Crosse, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 9, 1970, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration N956SM) operated by Mississippi Valley Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near La Crosse, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: For reasons unknown, the captain failed to maintain altitude at minimum descent altitude and allowed the aircraft to descend below the height of the trees while executing a non precision instrument approach in instrument flight 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 archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft executing a non-precision instrument approach to La Crosse Airport struck trees and crashed 4,000 feet short of the runway, seriously injuring all six occupants. The aircraft was destroyed, with no fire.

Accident Details

While conducting a non-precision instrument approach to La Crosse Airport, the aircraft impacted tree tops and crashed approximately 4,000 feet before the threshold of runway 13. The force of the impact destroyed the aircraft, and no fire occurred. All six individuals aboard sustained serious injuries.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, weather conditions were described as poor. The ceiling was indefinite at 500 feet, visibility was half a mile, and light drizzle with fog was present.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause states that, for reasons unknown, the captain failed to maintain altitude at the minimum descent altitude and allowed the aircraft to descend below the height of the trees while executing a non-precision instrument approach in instrument flight conditions.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Nov 1970 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near La Crosse, United States of America?

An aircraft executing a non-precision instrument approach to La Crosse Airport struck trees and crashed 4,000 feet short of the runway, seriously injuring all six occupants. The aircraft was destroyed, with no fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Nov 1970 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Nov 1970 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration N956SM, operated by Mississippi Valley Airlines, at La Crosse, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

For reasons unknown, the captain failed to maintain altitude at minimum descent altitude and allowed the aircraft to descend below the height of the trees while executing a non precision instrument approach in instrument flight conditions.

More accident analyses